Galway booked their place in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final after producing a stunning second-half performance to defeat Cork by 2-26 to 1-18 at Croke Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Tribesmen made an excellent start to the contest, with early scores from Tom Monaghan and Aaron Niland helping them settle quickly before wing-forward Darragh Neary struck for the opening goal after just six minutes.

Cork responded impressively and gradually worked their way back into the game through the accuracy of Brian Hayes and Alan Connolly. The Rebels hit the front when Alan Walsh rifled to the net in the 24th minute before further scores saw them move five points clear approaching half-time.

Galway finished the half strongly to reduce the deficit to a single point at the interval, trailing by 1-13 to 1-12 after scores from Monaghan and Niland.

The game turned decisively after the restart as Galway took complete control. Scores from Gavin Lee, Ronan Glennon, Monaghan and Cathal Mannion helped the westerners surge clear as Cork struggled to find a response.

Cork’s hopes suffered a further blow midway through the second half when midfielder Darragh Fitzgibbon received a second yellow card and was sent off with his side already trailing by six points.

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4 July 2026; Darragh Fitzgibbon of Cork leaves the pitch after being sent off during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final match between Cork and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

Galway continued to press their advantage, with substitute Conor Cooney making an impact from the bench and late scores from Conor Whelan and John Fleming putting the result beyond doubt.

There was still time for a moment of brilliance in injury time as Cooney produced an inventive second Galway goal to cap a memorable afternoon for Micheál Donoghue’s men and send the maroon and white supporters into celebration mode at headquarters.

The final whistle sparked scenes of joy among the Galway support as the Tribesmen secured their first All-Ireland final appearance since 2018, while Cork were left to reflect on another painful championship exit after being overwhelmed in the second half.

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4 July 2026; A Galway supporter celebrates during the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final match between Cork and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile

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