Hurling goalkeeper puts his body on the line

A goalkeeper in the National Hurling League in Ireland is being lauded for his bravery after a series of saves where he threw himself at his opponents to stop what looked to be a certain goal.

Playing for a spot in the coveted All Ireland final, Galway keeper Colm Callanan proved the hero with a brilliant display between the sticks that ultimately helped his side overcome fierce rivals Tipperary.

In a match where the scores were level 10 times and the lead switched on six occasions, Callanan was hailed for a frenetic passage of play in the second half where he put his body on the line to block three quick-fire shots from close range.

Showing no concern for self-preservation, the Galway shot-stopper stood his ground and dived around to deflect the hard white ball under a barrage from Tipperary rivals Patrick Maher and Shane Bourke.

The pair looked certain to score a vital goal - worth three points – as they fired off their shots, but were unable to get the ball past the keeper and into the net.

The saves proved the difference with Galway claiming a 0-26 to 3-16 victory and book a place in the decider against Kilkenny on September 6.