More negatives than positives

Date Published: 03-Jul-2007

DON’T be fooled by the scoreline … because the 12 point margin at the finish belied what an uncomfortable evening this was for the Galway hurlers when they came up against a determined but limited Laois side at O’Moore Park on Saturday evening.

Perhaps it was the 12 week lay-off since their last competitive game, perhaps minds were more focused on more glamorous assignments to come, perhaps they didn’t give enough respect to the home side, but this was a lack-lustre display from the Tribesmen.

It could be argued that injuries and illness had ruled out six key players, but such a theory cut no ice with manager Ger Loughnane afterwards. He expected far more from his starting 15 and quite a few of them failed to deliver.

At least they resurrected themselves in the closing stages and they will benefit from their first championship game of the summer, but this was not good enough for a team who had been touted as contenders for the All-Ireland title.

Galway lost the battle around the middle of the field. This sector was expected to be a problem area in the absence of the injured Fergal Healy and Laois came out well on top in this department.

The half-forward line did not fare too much better, especially in the first half, although newcomer Iarla Tannian at least emerged with three points from his senior championship debut.

The Tribesmen’s problems in this area ensured that the supply-lines were cut off to the inside forwards for long periods, but at least Damien Hayes was able and willing to torment the Laois defenders while Eugene Cloonan showed his trademark accuracy in front of goals.

Niall Healy and Hayes did manage two goals from limited first half possession, but there was a lethargy to the men in maroon which the home side — written off before the game — were more than willing to exploit.

They deservedly led at halftime and the huge roar which greeted James Young’s closing score of the first half indicated that the passionate home supporters, most of whom were more interested in the minor football curtain-raiser to begin with, really felt that a shock was on the cards.

There must have been some harsh words said in the Galway dressing-room at the break and, just as they had against Offaly, Laois faded out of the game as the second half progressed.