Duggan Park in from the cold for Walsh Cup clash

Date Published: {J}

STEPHEN GLENNON

REIGNING Walsh Cup holders Galway will play their first competitive game in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe in almost a decade when they face Dublin IT in the quarter-finals of the early season competition on Sunday (2pm).

In addition to beginning the defence of their crown on home soil against the students, this will, significantly, be Galway’s first competitive Leinster fixture in the West since the county made the move into the province over two years ago.

Consequently, many local hurling enthusiasts will hope that it may lead to more Leinster fixtures, particularly championship games, played west of the Shannon in the future. No doubt, the lack of high profile inter-county contests being played at Galway venues continues to be a moot point.

Understandably, some feel this is having repercussions in promoting the game locally. And who could argue, given this will be Galway’s first game at home since they defeated Cork in their final National League group game last April.

In any event, Duggan Park, after a hiatus of almost nine years, will host the Galway hurlers once again on Sunday. On the last occasion Galway played in the Duggan – Bank Holiday Monday, March 18, 2002 – Noel Lane’s charges recorded a 1-17 to 1-16 victory over Clare.

Galway also played two other home games that year, losing to Kilkenny, 0-15 to 0-9, in Duggan Park and accounting for Division 1A minnows Meath at Kenny Park, Athenry, before they were soundly beaten by Tipperary in the National League quarter-finals.

As for this Sunday, manager John McIntyre has, approximately, a squad of just 20 players to choose from. The loss of a number of key players through injury at present could damage their chances of retaining the Walsh Cup, with captain Shane Kavanagh out long term with an ankle injury – until the summer at least – while All-Star Damien Hayes, Aidan Harte, Kevin Hynes and Fergal Moore are all recovering from recent lay-offs.

Cappataggle’s Damien Joyce and Beagh’s Joe Gantley – both groin – are also out of action, while Liam Mellows’ Aonghus Callanan is recovering after having his tonsils removed last week. Kiltormer’s David Hayes, who picked up a foot injury in a work accident on Tuesday, and Craughwell’s Niall Healy, who broke his nose in a challenge game against county champions Clarinbridge last Sunday, are also doubts.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.