Dublin and Galway minors share spoils in thrilling Leinster championship draw at Parnell Park

Key facts

• Dublin and Galway drew 2-6 to 0-11 at half-time in their Electric Ireland Leinster Minor Hurling Championship Round 3 match at Parnell Park.
• Dan Ward scored two goals for Dublin, the first in the 9th minute and the second in the 25th minute.
• Galway substitute Cillian Power scored a goal in the 55th minute.
• Joey Davy and Richie Hession scored late points for Dublin to secure the draw.
• Galway's Michael Coen and Gus Lohan both pointed within the opening minute.
• Dublin had beaten Wexford and lost to Westmeath in their opening two fixtures.

A hard-fought draw at Parnell Park

Dublin and Galway played out a thrilling draw in their Electric Ireland Leinster Minor Hurling Championship Round 3 encounter at Parnell Park on Saturday afternoon. The hosts, who had beaten Wexford and lost to Westmeath in their opening two fixtures, led by 2-6 to 0-11 at the break. Dan Ward bagged a brace of goals for a spirited Dublin outfit, while Galway's Cillian Power netted in the 55th minute to put the visitors ahead.

Galway's fast start and Dublin's response

Galway wasted little time in troubling the Dublin defence, with Michael Coen and Gus Lohan both pointing within the opening minute. Tadhg Mac Cárthaigh extended the lead soon after before Dublin settled through a 5th-minute point from midfielder Corey Kelly. Mac Cárthaigh doubled his personal tally, but Dublin grew in confidence, reflected in a superb solo score by Hession. Ward pounced for the game's opening goal in the 9th minute, collecting a sideline delivery from Hession before arrowing a low finish inside the left-hand corner of Mark Walsh's goal.

Ward's second goal and half-time advantage

Ward and Kelly added to Dublin's tally as the contest evolved, but Galway remained in touch through a brace of Anthony Poniard frees and another by goalkeeper Mark Walsh. Points from Eoghan McClearn and Coen brought the teams level, but that stalemate did not last long. In the 25th minute, Jack Ledwidge caught the ball superbly before transferring to Ward, who powered a shot under the body of Walsh to give Dublin a lead they held at the break.

Galway's second-half comeback and late drama

Galway controlled much of the second half but were errant with a number of frees before scores by Poniard and Tom McAdam left the bare minimum between the sides. The visitors looked to have made the decisive move when substitute Cillian Power netted in the 55th minute. However, Dublin finished strongly, with late points from Joey Davy and Richie Hession securing a deserved draw.

What the result means for the championship

The draw leaves both teams with work to do in the Leinster Minor Hurling Championship. Dublin have now collected three points from three matches, while Galway will be looking to push on in the title race. The competitive nature of the contest, with both sides showing resilience and skill, suggests that the championship remains wide open.

The bottom line

• Dublin and Galway played a 2-6 to 0-11 draw at half-time, with Dan Ward scoring two goals for Dublin.
• Galway's Cillian Power scored a goal in the 55th minute, but Dublin's late points from Joey Davy and Richie Hession secured the draw.
• Dublin's record now stands at one win, one loss, and one draw in the championship.
• Galway will need to improve their free-taking after missing several opportunities in the second half.
• The result keeps both teams in contention in the Leinster Minor Hurling Championship.