Brian McDonald took the line ball that led to Dublin's goal, which was finished by Simon Behan after a small-rectangle scuffle involving six defenders and four attackers.

Galway narrowed the gap to one point near the end, but John Timmons put Dublin two ahead.

Referee Eamonn Moules (Wicklow) denied Galway a last-minute penalty.

Dublin: Pascal Flynn; Leo Hickey, Lar Foley, Bill Casey; Des McKane, Paddy Holden, Mick Kissane; Des Foley, John Timmons; Brian McDonald, Mickey Whelan, Gerry Davey; Simon Behan, Des Ferguson, Noel Fox.

Galway: Michael Moore; Seán Meade, Noel Tierney, Bosco McDermott; John Donnellan, Enda Colleran, Martin L. Newell; Mick Garrett, Mick Reynolds; Cyril Dunne, Mattie McDonagh, Pat Donnellan; John Keenan, Seán Cleary, Séamus Leydon.