Injuries continue to take their toll

Date Published: 16-Apr-2009

IT is a sad reflection of the two counties’ fortunes in the 2009 Allianz NHL that Galway and Clare have little other than pride to play for when they meet in the final round of games at Ennis on Sunday (2.30pm), a scenario which might just take the ‘sting’ out of a derby which has become quite spiky in recent years.

Three wins and three defeats have left the Tribesmen exactly where they deserve to be, far behind the country’s one outstanding team (Kilkenny) in mid-table mediocrity, but in a lot better state than a Clare side whose relegation has been assured before their last outing of the League in front of their own supporters at Cusack Park.

The narrow defeat to Tipperary last time out has shown that Galway are not too far behind the chasing pack at the moment and, but for an agonising late missed chance for Joe Gantley at Pearse Stadium, John McIntyre’s side could even have been preparing for a League final showdown with Kilkenny going into this game.

A lot more…