Hurlers face ‘daunting’ challenge

Date Published: 09-Jun-2009

GALWAY Senior Hurling Manager John McIntyre says it is up to his side to be “primed” for their Leinster semi-final showdown against reigning All-Ireland champions Kilkenny in Tullamore on Saturday, June 20.

As a result of the Leinster championship draw, the Tribesmen will go from playing the worst team in
the Liam McCarthy Cup, Laois, to facing down what is arguably the best hurling team in living memory.

While many hoped that Galway would draw either Wexford or Dublin in the penultimate stages of the provincial series, Galway boss McIntyre is pragmatic in his assessment of Sunday’s lucky dip.

“We had a three-in-one chance of drawing Kilkenny, so it was always a strong possibility that we would have to play them in the Leinster semi-final,” begins McIntyre. “Obviously, it is a daunting challenge, but it is up to everyone associated with the Galway hurlers to be primed to put their best foot forward on Saturday evening week.”

Galway opened their Leinster campaign with a sound 5-29 to 0-17 thrashing of Laois over a week ago, but the Westerners did suffer a setback when Portumna centre-forward Kevin Hayes received a red card. Hayes will now miss the clash with the Cats, while it does not look likely that goalkeeper James Skehill will win his race to be fit for the tie after suffering a collarbone injury.

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