Recent meetings with Cork give Galway plenty of reasons for confidence

Prior to the 1975 All-Ireland semi-final, Galway hurlers had never beaten Cork in the championship in 19 previous attempts.

That long-awaited triumph (4-15 to 2-19) at Croke Park was built on early goals from Frank Burke, John Connolly and PJ Qualter.

Results between the counties have been a lot more even since and, remarkably, Galway have not lost to Cork in the championship since the All-Ireland qualifiers of 2008 despite a young Joe Canning going to town against 14-man opponents in Thurles.

The teams are renewing rivalry at Croke Park on Saturday (3:30pm) in an All-Ireland semi-final expected to attract a near full house.

Cork are aching to end their 20-plus years All-Ireland famine and are strong favourites to carry the day, but Galway will draw encouragement from beating the Rebels the last five times the have clashed in the championship.