GAA: Galway defeat Down in thriller as Armagh v Kerry confirmed for quarter-finals

Michael Bolton

Galway are in the quarter-finals of the All-Ireland football championship after defeating Down 2-26 to 3-21 in Newry.

Galway were the better side in the first half and took a 1-16 to 1-6 lead into the interval, with Galway's goal coming from Shane Walsh who scored 1-7 in the game.

Down's first-half goal came from John McGeough, and started the second half well with two pointers from Daniel Guinness and Michael Rooney helped them bring it back to a two-point game with 12 minutes to go.

When the pressure was on Galway, Peter Cooke, Walsh, and Daniel O'Flaherty stepped up with crucial scores to keep the scoreboard ticking.

However, Down were still in the game, and had their second goal through Odhran Murdock, to leave Down just two points behind.

Galway's depth showed in the final moments, with Tomó Culhane scoring their second goal to help them to victory.

Donegal will also be in the last eight after their 2-22 to 0-12 win over Louth.

In a tight first half, Donegal took the lead into the interval, with a goal from Conor O'Donnell in the 33rd minute was the difference between the teams.

Donegal pushed on in the second half, starting five unanswered points, before their second goal from Ciarán Thompson in the 51st minute giving the Ulster champions some breathing space.

Tailteann Cup

Down did score a third through Ryan Magill, but it was too late as Galway advanced to the last eight.

Limerick are through to their first Tailteann Cup final after a 2-18 to 1-17 win over Wicklow.

Limerick had the first goal of the game through Danny Neville, as they took a 1-7 to 0-9 lead into half-time in a tight game in Croke Park.

Wicklow started stronger in the second half, with Malachy Stone's goal in the 48th minute giving them a 1-12 to 1-9 lead.

Oisin McConville's side pushed on from the gaol and looked to be the side heading for victory, before Robbie Sheilds took full advantage of a mistake from the Wicklow goalkeeper to score Limerick's secnod goal.

Limerick gained confidence, and regained the lead in the 66th minute from Peter Nash, while Wicklow's Oisín McGraynor had a penalty saved four minutes earlier.

Limerick scored the next three points without reply, as they booked their place in the final in three weeks time.

They will play Kildare after they defeated Fermanagah 1-13 to 0-9.

In a tight first half, Kildare took a 0-7 to 0-6 lead at half-time.

The sides exchanged the lead several times, before Brian McLoughlin made the impact for Kidare off the bench, scoring five points to put Kildare in a commanding position.

The win was secured in the final moments with the goal coming from James McGrath.