Galway camp keeping feet firmly on the ground

ALTHOUGH Galway had qualified for the National Hurling League semi-finals, manager Anthony Cunningham was the first to acknowledge the Tribesmen will not be judged by their solid Spring campaign to date but by what they achieve in this year’s championship.

A surprisingly easy 1-20 to 1-12 victory over Munster champions Limerick in a disappointing quarter-final clash at the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday earned Galway a semi-final berth against National League holders Kilkenny at the same venue on Sunday, April 20 (2pm).

However, despite victories over Tipperary and Limerick and a draw against All-Ireland champions Clare in their last three games, Cunningham was anxious to keep the county’s feet on the ground.

“We have nothing won – there is no silverware there – and for Galway, really, we have been a long time waiting for All-Ireland success and that is how you are measured at the end of the year. So, that is where we are at.

“We are on the road, we are going well, but you are judged, hopefully, by the first Sunday in Croke Park in September. That is where you want to be,” stated the manager, who hoped his charges have now put earlier League defeats to Waterford and Kilkenny firmly behind them.

“We knew we were going well but we had to deliver then against Tipperary and Clare and again today,” continued the St. Thomas’ man. “So, we are delighted with our progress and the results we have had in the last three weeks.”

That said, he maintained certain improvements will have to be made going forward, particularly in the number of goal chances they execute. Not for the first time in this campaign, they were found wanting on this facet of their play against Limerick.

“That really is a part of the game we need to tighten up on. We have to get better in our finishing and the lads are probably a bit disappointed about that. But they are creating the chances and they are getting there. We have a bit more fine tuning.”

Full report in this week’s Connacht Tribune