Eddie McCallion and Derek O'Brien challenge for the ball

Pat McCourt shot over early on and Alan Murphy blazed a Galway penalty over the bar and out of the ground on 26 minutes after a foul by Eddie McCallion.

Ken Oman twice went close while Sammy Morrow shot tamely at the goalkeeper.

After the break Mark Farren was denied by Gary Rogers, Ruairdhi Higgins had a free-kick turned away and Pat Jennings turned Sean Fagan's shot over the bar.

McCourt's 11th minute shot was from 20 yards out and referee Robbie Winters had no hesitation in pointing to the spot after McCallion brought down Derek O'Brien.

Oman had a shot deflected narrowly wide after 33 minutes and then saw his shot cleared off the line with neither Ciaran Martyn nor Higgins able to convert from the rebound.

McCourt pulled the ball back to tee up Morrow two minutes before half-time but his effort was weak.