Galway hurlers in no hurry!

Date Published: {J}

STEPHEN GLENNON

GALWAY manager Anthony Cunningham has played down his side’s impressive National Hurling League opening round victory over Dublin at Pearse Stadium on Sunday.

“There will be tougher days ahead,” proclaimed the Galway boss who, once again, reiterated the management’s plea to give the current squad time to develop.

Cunningham said the raw material was there, but the 0-20 to 0-13 win over the reigning National League champions was simply something they had to build on.

Still, he was delighted the Tribesmen got their league campaign off to a winning start. “We are a new management and, effectively, a new team, so to get over the line first day out is great. We have worked hard the last couple of months, but we probably have a lot of work to do.

“It was a typical first game of the league . . . It was a physical battle, really, which probably pleases us most about the win. Dublin are a very physical side but, look, it is no more than two points and it is good to have those in the bag. We are delighted the way the guys played and it is something we are going to build on.”

Although eight of the 2011 All-Ireland winning U-21 team started the fixture, Cunningham maintained that not one looked out of place in the senior grade. “Right through we would have been happy with the play,” he said. “For the U-21s who hadn’t played senior the last couple of years, it was a great baptism for them and they looked very settled. But there will be tougher days ahead.”

He, in particular, paid tribute to newcomer Niall Burke, who tallied 10 points on the day, five from play. “It was a fantastic performance,” praised the Galway manager. “Niall had been going very well with NUIG pre Christmas and with us there since. He is a great prospect.

“You know, we have the raw material to get to the very top, but it will take time and that would be the clear message coming from here. It will be still low key and it will still be a request that we need time to get to the very, very top of our game. But, you know, we have players to work with and they are more than willing to learn.”

He maintained the big question was how much can this current side develop. “I mean, to topple the might of Kilkenny and Tipperary, we will have to get up there. Dublin were short a few today but it was a good start and great reward for the work we have put in. However, it is no more than two points, but on we will go.”

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.