Galway should do enough to book spot in knock-out stages

After a week’s break for club matches, Galway’s senior camogie team return to action this Saturday in St Brendan’s Park in Birr when they take on an Offaly team fighting for championship survival (2.30pm).

Victory for Tony Ward’s charges will effectively secure them a place in the knockout stages in August following their opening day win over All-Ireland champions Cork. But for the Faithful County, defeats to Limerick and Wexford have left Barry Whelehan’s team staring at the exit door following a season of promise.

The ‘Group of Death’ has shown no mercy for Offaly following their 4-11 to 0-13 reversal to the Slaneysiders on Saturday.  Another defeat for the Leinster side will make qualification impossible and Galway will need to be on their guard.

The maroon and white only need to remember the league when they were pressed to the limit before emerging 1-13 to 3-5 winners. Offaly’s three Spring defeats average just three points and they showed their potential in the Leinster championship reaching the final after taking the scalps of Wexford and Dublin.

Eleanor Clendennen is an experienced keeper and Offaly possess a strong half-back line in Marian Crean, Michaela Morkam and Aisling Brennan. Arlene Watkins will be the major threat in midfield, while Siobhan Hannon and Tina Hannon will be their chief scorers upfront.

Galway are seven games unbeaten and will be strong favourites to ensure their season continues towards autumn.  A settled side carry some knocks from two rounds of club matches but the same starting line-up that defeated Cork will be expected to take their place.

Susan Earner produced two quality saves in that encounter; Sarah Dervan at full-back dictated proceedings; Tara Kenny and Heather Cooney will cover the corners; Siobhan Coen delivered another top display; despite some scares Shauna Healy settled better at centre back as the game progressed; while Lorraine Ryan will provide the experience at 7.

Whether it was nerves, pressure or rustiness following a seven-week gap, Galway rarely found the fluidity against Cork that they enjoyed in the league. The defence struggled against Cork’s running moves with the central channel opened up on occasions.

But while the upcoming three successive games (Galway play Wexford and Limerick the following two Saturdays) should provide a tighter effort, the appearance of Sinead Cahalan and Therese Manton gives Ward ample cover in this department.

Likewise, Galway’s midfield didn’t reach their expected heights though Niamh Kilkenny and Emma Kilkelly are providing a good partnership. Kilkenny had been ill coming into that encounter but did make an impact in the concluding stages with one point while also winning an important free; and Kilkelly put in her usual work rate and only a few poor misses denied her a prominent place on the scoreboard.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.