An injury time free by Cork’s Brian Hurley sealed a dramatic one-point victory over Galway in the All Ireland minor semi-final at Croke Park.
In a game with eight goals it was the cool point taking ability of Cork in the final 10 minutes that ensured they will join their senior counterparts on the third Sunday of September.
But Galway will rue how they let this game slip. They led 5-06 to 2-06 with just 20 minutes left but eventually lost 5-08 to 3-15 as Cork stormed home.
Peadar O'Griofa got Galway’s first goal in the opening minutes and he scored his second just before the break. Hurley scored Cork’s first late in the first period too to leave the half-time score Galway 2-05 Cork 1-05.
The second half was thrilling fare and it began with a bang as Hurley got his second to level the game.
Galway’s Niall Flynn went straight up the other end and slotted a third goal from a narrow angle to restore the Tribesmens’ advantage.
Shortly afterwards Conor Rabbitte got in on the act to make it a two-goal lead for Galway and with 20 to go he grabbed his second to establish a nine-point lead for Galway.
Kevin Hallisey grabbed one back for the Rebels and importantly the continued to tack on points. Galway seemed to freeze with the finish line in sight and thanks to the accuracy of Hurley from frees Cork clawed their way back to be level as injury time began.
A foul on Hurley gave him to chance to win the game and he duly kicked the winning score.