Shefflin era up and running as Galway get the job done

Galway 2-19

Offaly 0-19

DUGGAN Park has never seen a day like this before in early January. Over 3,000 spectators flocking to the one-time base of Galway hurling for a first round Walsh Cup match.

It’s doubtful if a tournament fixture in the depths of winter has ever generated so much interest and excitement, but Henry Shefflin’s shock appointment as Galway manager has not alone stirred the local hurling fraternity but beyond it as well.

The prospect of seeing the Kilkenny legend – the most decorated player in the sport’s history – supervising the Galway sideline for the first time was such an attraction that the Covid restricted number of match tickets available were soon a sell-out.

The national media and the RTE cameras were present too for Shefflin’s managerial inter-county debut, adding a surreal vibe to a fixture which will be long forgotten by the time the All-Ireland championship commences in April.

For all that, the new Galway management must be a little relieved that their vastly inexperienced outfit didn’t fluff their lines and tarnish the occasion against a gritty and improving Offaly – there was only a point separating the teams 19 minutes into the second half.

Ultimately, Galway had a slightly flattering six-point winning margin. A competitive clash swinging decisively in their favour when the accurate Donál O’Shea pounced on the Offaly defence getting itself into a muddle to grab a goal out of nothing in the final quarter.

It’s difficult to place much credence on what we saw in Ballinasloe on Sunday. Galway sent a novice team into battle which will bear little resemblance to their summer selections. Nearly half the side were new to this level, while only five had featured in last year’s championship exit to Waterford – and two of those were substitutes.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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