Cahal Coen, who had made free-taking look easy in the early part of this Vocational Schools hurling final at Semple Stadium yesterday, missed a chance to win the match in the dying moments - but victory for either side would not have served justice.
Neither Galway, seeking their 13th title in this grade, nor Cork, going for three in-a-row, ever really responded to the atmosphere created on a perfect hurling day before a very big crowd. Another chance in less pressurised circumstances seems fair.
The match never really flowed as both teams sought to defend staunchly. After Cork came under early pressure they managed to take the lead; but it soon became clear that young Coen's expertise was going to be a significant factor. By the time he had stepped up to take the free which would have given Galway the trophy he had recorded six points from placed balls, with his attacking colleagues contributing a mere total of four between them.
It was not that Galway were all that prodigal with their chances; but that the Cork defence, copper-fastened by full back Niall Buckley and centre back Pat Sexton, severely limited Galway's opportunities.
For the record, Sexton also scored three points from frees and might therefore be adjudged Cork's most valuable player.
Left wing back Brendan Lombard was a huge influence in the Cork effort, while Niall O'Sullivan and David Hayes probably shaded the issue at midfield over Galway's Joe Hession and Derek Murphy.
The fact that Galway's starting team included only players from the Athenry and Loughrea schools and that their two substitutes also came from the same locations, meant that the team had better teamwork. However, they could not shake off the tenacious Cork boys and although Galway built up a three-point lead - 0-5 to 0-2 - after 20 minutes, a Cork goal by Gerard O'Donovan when Galway failed to clear a sideline cut by Kieran Hurley, pegged back the scores. Half-time arrived with the teams level at 1-3 to 0-6.
Cork were leading on a score of 1-7 to 0-8 with five minutes to go, but points by Whirskey and Hession from play brought Galway level before Coen mis-hit his last free from about 40 yards.
Cork: J O'Donnell; N Kidney, N Buckley, D Duane; K O'Sullivan (0-1), P Sexton (0-3, all frees), B Lombard; N O'Sullivan, D Hayes (0- 1); B Hennessy (0-1), M Morrissey, G O'Donovan (1-0); A Hayes, K Hurley (0-1), W Deasy. Subs: M Withers for Deasy (46 mins); N Callaghan for Withers (54 mins); M Fitzgerald for Hurley (56 mins).
Galway: P Gannon; D Hardiman, D Cloonan, I Daniels; M J Quinn, C Dervan, E Hyland; J Hession (0-1), D Murphy; J Cannon (0-1), H Whirskey (0-2), R Murray; D Moore, C Coen (0-6, all frees), D Forde. Subs: B Mahony for Cannon (45 mins); K Whyte for D Murphy (47 mins).
Referee: A Murray (Westmeath).
