Galway teams face acid tests

Date Published: 12-Apr-2011

STEPHEN GLENNON

IT’S a big weekend for Galway GAA as the county’s senior hurlers face Waterford in what is akin to a National League semi-final and the U-21 footballers take on Munster champions Cork in an intriguing All-Ireland semi-final showdown.

After their demolition at the hands of All-Ireland champions Tipperary, the Tribesmen travel to Walsh Park in Waterford City knowing only a victory will keep their hopes of retaining the National League title alive on Sunday (2:30pm).

It’s very tight at the top of Division 1 with leaders Kilkenny expected to account for Offaly in Nowlan Park to go through to the decider, leaving Galway, Dublin and Tipperary vying for the remaining berth.

Waterford also have an outside chance of qualifying, but they will need to beat Galway and hope basement side Wexford can upset Tipperary in Thurles.

In any event, Galway’s destiny is very much in their own hands and, given the hurt of their recent 4-23 to 1-14 mauling to Tipp, you would expect that there has to be a kick in the Tribesmen’s when they line out against the Déise.

While manager John McIntyre must plan without midfielder Ger Farragher (knee), Andy Smith – who broke his nose against Tipperary – and long term injury-victim Fergal Moore, who had scar tissue removed from his ankle last week, he has been boosted by the return of a number of his big guns.

Shane Kavanagh, Joe Canning, Kevin Hynes and Damien Hayes have all played with their clubs in recent weeks and are all back in contention for starting places, while Aidan Harte – a sub against Tipp – is now up and running after his long lay-off.

Furthermore, Liam Mellows duo David Collins (shin) and Aonghus Callanan – a late withdrawal before the Tipperary game due to tonsillitis – are also pushing for inclusion as will Barry Daly of Clarinbridge who was unavailable for the Tipp outing due to a club U-21 game.

No doubt, though, Galway’s display must improve dramatically if the healing process of their 18-point defeat to Tipperary is to begin. “It was a shocking performance; we were just wiped out by Tipperary. No excuses,” says McIntyre.

“It was an eye opener for everyone, for the team management and the players. On the day, Tipp were definitely in a different league to us. Obviously, when you are beaten by 18 points – regardless of how good the opposition were on the day – everyone associated with the team is rattled.

“I suppose, thankfully, this has happened early enough for us in the year to address the problems that were there in Pearse Stadium. We need to heed the lessons from that Tipperary game. It was a wake-up call for everybody.”

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.