Galway claimed their second successive win in the Allianz Hurling League on Sunday, beating Offaly by 1-24 to 1-10 in a one-sided Division One game at Tullamore.
The defending League champions, to dominated the first half, despite playing agaisnt the wind, and led by 0-9 to 0-5 at the break.
Galway’s task was made significantly easier when Offaly’s Cathal Parlon was sent off after picking up a second yellow card in the first half.
And the numerical disadvantage cost Joe Dooley’s men dearly, as Aonghus Callanan struck a fine goal for Galway, while Ger Farrgaher was once again in fine form from placed balls.
As if to emphasise their dominance, Galway hit ten successive points in the final quarter to take complete control.
Joe Bergin netted from a late free for Offaly, but the Faithful men have now lost their two Allianz League games to date and could face a tough battle to stay in the top flight.
SCORERS — Galway: G Farragher 0-8 (6f, 1 s-l), I Tannian 0-6, E Ryan 0-4, A Callanan 1-0, D Burke 0-3, A Cullinane 0-2, J Coen 0-1. Offaly: J Bergin 1-4 (1-2f), S Dooley 0-3 (1 ’65’, 1f), B Carroll, C Parlon and M Cordial 0-1 each.
GALWAY — C Callanan, D Collins, J Lee, G O’Halloran; G Mahon, T Og Regan, A Cullinane; D Barry, D Burke; E Ryan, A Smith, G Farragher; A Callanan, I Tannian, J Coen. Subs: D Hayes for Mahon (42), N Healy for Regan (47), N Cahalan for Coen (59), K Kilkenny for A Callanan (63), B Murphy for Burke (67).
OFFALY — J Dempsey; B Mulrooney, D Kenny, S Egan; D Hayden, P Healion, D Morkan; C Parlon, K Brady; B Carroll, J Bergin, C Egan; S Dooley, P Bermingham, S Wynne. Subs: M Cordial for Brady (25), M Verney for Kenny (h-t), O Kealey for Bermingham (h-t), J Mulrooney for Wynne (45), G Healion for Dooley (63).
Ref — B Kelly (Westmeath).
