Burke set to bolster attack for Tipp tussle

Oranmore / Maree sharpshooter Niall Burke is back in contention for a starting berth in Galway’s line-out ahead of their vital National Hurling League clash against Tipperary at Pearse Stadium this Sunday (2pm).

Having returned from a knee injury to come on as a substitute in the Tribesmen’s 2-16 to 1-16 loss to Kilkenny last weekend, Burke would significantly bolster a side that has been shorn of options due to injuries and the absence of Portumna’s club-tied players in this campaign.

Of course, the Galway camp was rocked last week by the withdrawal of Cappataggle goalkeeper James Skehill from the squad and his place for the remainder of the league is likely to be filled by Craughwell custodian Aidan Ryan, who was drafted in as cover to No. 1 Colm Callanan against Kilkenny.

Others on the treatment table who could feature this weekend are Fergal Moore, Ronan Burke and Jonathan Glynn, although it is understood that it will be nearer the game before decisions are made on each player’s respective fitness.

In any event, the Tribesmen did show some spirit in holding the Cats to a goal down in Nowlan Park last Sunday, despite the fact that they looked as if they were going to be in for an embarrassing afternoon when falling 1-6 to 0-2 behind after just 10 minutes.

However, they rallied to outscore Brian Cody’s charges by 1-8 to 0-5 in the second period, with Conor Cooney netting a 60th minute penalty and the St Thomas’ man, substitute Burke, Niall Healy and Padraig Brehony registering four unanswered points in the last six minutes.

While Galway have only won one of their three opening National League games, it’s not all as bleak as many may believe. For one, the current under-strength side will undergo some surgery ahead of the championship with those who don’t make the starting fifteen sure to provide options off the bench.

Added to this, they do have a winnable home tie this weekend against a team also struggling to find form following a lucky victory over Waterford and successive defeats against Kilkenny and Clare.

Indeed, in the last two games, the Premier County have leaked no less than nine goals – five against Kilkenny and four against Clare – and that may be something Galway can take advantage of this weekend.

Then again, Galway, along with Waterford, have one of the lowest goal scoring records in the National League this season, netting just a goal apiece in the defeats to Waterford and Kilkenny, and this rate of return must improve if they are to secure an invaluable home win against Tipp.

This will certainly be something Galway boss Anthony Cunningham will be aware of following his side’s failure to convert a litany of goal opportunities in the defeat to Kilkenny. “We had goal chances early on and we didn’t take them,” said Cunningham after that game.

“Kilkenny took their chances very well and that would be the difference really and that has to be something we need to sharpen up on. You know, we have it within us, no doubt. So, absolutely, those goal chances were the difference and you have to take those against Kilkenny. Bottom line.”

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.