Galway smash Derry hopes by sailing into semi finals

Galway sauntered through to the All-Ireland semi-final after disposing of Derry's challenge at Croke Park by 4-23 to 1-11 on Sunday afternoon.

Eugene Cloonan and Kevin Broderick were in lethal scoring form for the Connaught favourites, giving a combined total of four goals and fourteen points. Cloonan scored 2-11 while Broderick bagged 2-3.

The Ulster champions were never really in the contest and there was little doubt the Connaught side would progress to meet Tipperary in the semi-finals.

The Tribesmen began in blistering fashion, and by the eleventh minute they had a six-point lead.

Derry displayed nice touches on occasion with Oliver Collins, Gregory Biggs, John O'Dwyer and big Geoffrey McGonagle all raising white flags yet Galway held a ten-point advantage at the half time interval.

Derry were given a lifeline within a minute of the restart when McGonagle was wrestled to the ground by Tipperary’s Michael Healy. Oliver Collins netted the resulting penalty, but danger man Broderick retaliated and secured his second goal on 46 minutes when his low shot flew into the Derry net.

Eugene Cloonan scored Galway's fourth goal in the 65th minute as it became all too easy for Noel Lane's men. The All-Ireland semi-final will represent a much sterner examination for Lane's charges. (AMcE)