Galway need to shake things up ahead of big collision with Mayo

Inside Track with John McIntyre

PADRAIC Joyce and his management have probably already carried out a review of Galway’s National League campaign and there won’t need to be a Gaelic football Einstein among them to figure out what sector of their team needs serious remedial work ahead of the championship.

In fact, it’s sticking out like a sore thumb. Galway’s defence remains a problem and unless it is made more secure, winning even a provincial title may prove beyond them in 2022. They only conceded one goal against Roscommon in the Division Two league final at Croke Park last Sunday, but it could have been three or four only for the bravery and reflexes of Conor Flaherty between the posts.

In their group campaign, Galway were hit for 2-17 by a struggling Cork outfit which just avoided relegation; while they conceded three goals to an Offaly team which didn’t. There is no doubt they have a potent attack when in full flow, but the Tribesmen simply must shore up at the back to avoid summer disappointment.

In mitigation last Sunday, Galway had to field without their two regular wing backs Dylan McHugh and Cillian McDaid, and their return alone for the Mayo match should make a difference. More is needed, however, and given the positive impression new team captain Seán Kelly made at full-back earlier in the year, he must be a serious option for the number three jersey. Is his brother Paul another candidate for a role in the full-back line as well?

Further up the field, some of the pressure must be taken off Paul Conroy, who has been in superb form so far this year. He only came on in the final quarter against Roscommon, but I thought young James McLaughlin was quick to get to the pitch of the battle. He made a great catch in his first play and given his natural physique; McLaughlin might be the best option to partner Conroy in midfield against Mayo at MacHale Park.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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