The champions seemed dead and buried when they trailed by four points at the interval having played with a strong wind. Galway, specialists at this level with 16 titles, were poised for their first win since completing a three-in-a-row in 2003 when they led by1-4 to 0-3 at the break.

Galway, having led by 0-3 to 0-0 after just seven minutes, were well on top before Ciaran Sheehan and Aidan Walsh steadied Cork with points.

However, Galway struck a telling blow when Gary Burke blasted home a good goal after good work from Ronan Madden.

However, the Cork defence got on top after the restart. Ciaran Sheehan flicked home a goal for Cork after 39 minutes as the Munster men scored 1-3 without reply in a great ten minute spell to go 16 to 1-5 in front going into the final quarter. The sides twice exchanged points before the impressive Gavin O'Riordan pushed Cork two in front and while Bernard Burke reduced the margin to the minimum, Galway were unable to dethrone the champions.

CORK: C Sheehan (1-1), G O'Riordan (0-2, one free, one '65'), C Lordan (0-1), A Walsh (0-1), L McLoughlin (0-1, free), F Keane (0-1), M O'Mahony (0-1), D Roche (0-1). GALWAY: R Madden (0-6, "ve frees, one '65'), G Burke (1-0), B Burke (0-1), G Murray (0-1).