Galway hurlers got their season off to a positive start with a victory over Laois last Sunday in the Walsh Cup. Two Richie Cummins goals in the opening period of extra-time were enough for Galway to prevail in a real battle with Laois.
The 2009 All-Ireland minor-winning captain only received the call-up to the squad the day before the game, but his inclusion was crucial when his eye for goal finally saw off the Laois men.
Midfielder Ger Farragher hit some fine points and the Castlegar clubman ended the tie with 1-09 to his credit.
A crazy six-minute spell in the opening half of the extended period put the game to bed. Cummins bagged a brace and full-forward Joe Gantley also sent an effort past Paddy Mullaney.
Not even a late goal from Willie Hyland could save Laois as the Joe Canning-less Galway side showed their class to advance.
GALWAY: C Callanan; D Joyce, S Kavanagh, F Moore; A Coen, T Og Regan, D Barry; G Farragher 1-9 (0-8f ), N Cahalan 0-4 (0-1f ) A Callanan 0-2, K Hynes, N Hayes; A Harte 0-3, J Gantley 1-1, R Murray. Subs: P Holland for Moore (17 ), C Donnellan 0-2 for Hayes (46 ), R Cummins 2-2, for Murray (60 ), T Mannion for Farragher (65 ).
