Loughnane wants players to show ruthless streak

Date Published: 03-Jul-2008

GALWAY hurling manager Ger Loughnane has demanded that his players show a ruthless streak in seeing off Laois in what, on the surface at least, has the makings of a one-sided All-Ireland qualifier at Pearse Stadium on Saturday (3.30 p.m.).

It is the fourth consecutive year in which the Tribesmen have met Laois in the failed experiment which has been the rejigged championship and, despite winning margins of 11, 18, and 12 points in the previous three games, it’s fair to say that Galway have not exactly covered themselves in glory in those ties.

But, still, given that Laois lost their manager after their 16 point drubbing at the hands of Offaly in the Leinster championship last month, there surely can only be one winner on what looks set to be a bad day, weather-wise, in Salthill.

Twelve months ago, the Tribesmen survived an uncomfortable evening in Portlaoise – the final scoreline of 3-20 to 1-14 from that ’round robin’ game belied how poor they were around the midfield and half-forward sectors in what was Loughnane’s championship debut with the county.

The home side outscored Galway by 1-5 to 0-1 in the closing 20 minutes of the first half in that game and Loughnane had harsh words to say to his players afterwards. A week later, the problems exposed by Laois in that game were harshly exploited by Clare and Galway’s credentials as All-Ireland contenders were seriously downgraded.

A lot has changed since then, of course, as teenage ace Joe Canning has made his debut for Galway while Laois are missing their two best players, James Young and Matthew Whelan, due to cruciate ligament injuries which have ruled them out of the entire 2008 campaign.

Laois will hope that new manager Niall Rigney can give them fresh impetus after taking charge just last week, but the reality is that they are lambs to the slaughter yet again while Galway supporters are already looking forward to a crack at Cork, Limerick, Dublin, or Offaly in thenext round.

Not that Loughnane will even consider looking past Saturday’s game. Poor conditions can be a great leveller in hurling and he’s looking to field his strongest possible team. A real statement of intent is expected ahead of a knock-out tie, probably against Cork or Limerick two weeks later.

“We are going to take the same approach as…