Pressure on hurlers to restore pride in Waterford

Date Published: {J}

STEPHEN GLENNON

A plethora of Galway’s first choice players could make their return from injury for the Tribesmen’s pivotal National Hurling League clash against Waterford at Walsh Park in on Sunday (2:30pm).

After their 4-23 to 1-14 demolition at the hands of All-Ireland champions Tipperary last day out, John McIntyre’s outfit travel to Waterford knowing only a victory will keep their hopes of retaining the National League title alive.

A signal of Galway’s intent is the likely return of Kinvara’s Shane Kavanagh, Sarsfields’ Kevin Hynes and Portumna duo Joe Canning and Damien Hayes to the fold for this one. Although the quartet has been struggling with long term injuries, they have all played with their clubs in recent weeks.

Consequently, all four are back in contention for starting places, while Aidan Harte – a used substitute 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 available for selection. They, too, will push for inclusion this weekend.

However, despite the return of these influential players, McIntyre must plan without midfielder Ger Farragher, 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.

In any event, Galway’s performance this Sunday must improve dramatically on their previous outing 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,” concedes 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 season 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.”

With this in mind, changes in personnel – along with a change in attitude and application – are anticipated this Sunday. “We now face Waterford and that game is akin to a league semi-final,” continues McIntyre. “I am expecting that the Galway players will be very determined to restore some pride at Walsh Park.”

That said, Galway still have a great deal of work to do if they are to cement their place in the National League decider. Indeed, 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 which, on the evidence of previous Wexford displays, is very unlikely.

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

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.