This weekend, Galway took home the Electric Ireland Minor Hurling Championship title, despite a sluggish start with a 2 -17 to 2-15 win over an in form Cork side in a game that showcased some of the most exciting talent the country has to offer.
In an end to end spectacle, Cork got off to a great start, hammering the ball into the back of the net after just 7 seconds, and consolidated their lead by grabbing a second goal before half time to go in at the break with a 3 point lead.
But Galway proved their mettle again. Just like the semifinal where they early to Kilkenny, they clawed their way back into the game with an inspired second half.
Galway came out all guns firing and tied the game in sensational fashion with a goal 90 seconds after the restart. From there on Galway dominated the third quarter and adding another goal in the 39th minute to open up a 5 point lead heading towards the final stages.
Despite a late Cork fight back Galway were able to hold out to claim an 11th minor title by a 2 point margin.
The final's biggest performers make up the nominees for the Electric Ireland Minor Player of the Week voting after their wins. You can cast your ballot on Electric Ireland's Facebook page, and get involved in the conversation through the hashtag #GAAThisIsMajor.
Jack Canning - Galway
The Portumna man has been in flying form coming into this weekend and after a scoreless first half, Canning showed his family pedigree with a stellar second half display finishing the day with 2 - 02.
A quality finish 90 seconds after the break brought his side level, and the man of the match didn’t stop there, adding another goal to his name in the 39th minute, the showing great aerial ability to collect from a Conor Walsh long ball, followed by a neat finish.
Scoring crucial goals is becoming a habit for Canning and he has shown time and time again how important he is to this Galway side. When the game was in the balance yesterday, Canning stood up and performed as he has done every time he has taken to the field this year.
A bright future lies ahead for this guy.
Sean Bleahane - Galway
Bleahane was the danger man for Galway all afternoon. He was finding space and really going at the Cork defense. Finishing with 0-5 is a solid return one of Galway's most effective attacking threats.
With Galway getting off to a slow start, there was a worry that Cork might blow them away in the first half and take the game beyond them. However, Bleahane was the man that kept Galway's attack ticking over in the first half with 0-3.
In such a tight game, it was vital to have those points ticking over especially when the balance of play was against Galway. He possibly could have done better with a first half goal chance that was blasted over, but a great performance from the young man.
Brian Turnbull - Cork
Very unfortunate to be on the losing side on the day and gave a performance that was worth a winners medal claiming 1-07 on the afternoon.
Going into the game there were reports that Turnbull was carrying a hamstring injury but his performance on the day certainly laid waste to any fitness concerns as he shined throughout.
He grabbed his goal after just 7 seconds, after the Munster champions won the throw- in and got the ball up quick to Turnbull who finished well to stun the Galway support. He didn't stop there, and was a menace to the Galway defence as he hit seven more points throughout the game.
Certainly Cork's best performer on the day and will be a key part of the counties attach in the years to come.
