Timely reality check for Galway minor hurlers against Leinster finalists Laois

Galway 0-23

Laois 2-14

THE hype machine had gone into overdrive after only one game. Galway’s minor hurlers had been ordained champions-in-waiting after crushing an admittedly wasteful Clare outfit in their opening All-Ireland qualifier.

In that context, the unexpected scare Fergal Healy’s talented young squad survived at O’Moore Park in Portlaoise on Saturday will introduce a welcome dose of realism in relation to the county’s prospects of lifting the Irish Press Cup for the fifth time in six years in July.

Galway undoubtedly have every chance of going on to claim another All-Ireland title at this level, but spare us any premature rush to put them on a pedestal that they have yet to reach. They will be all the better for it too.

Though the team management would have encouraged the Galway players to stay grounded and focused after putting a decent Clare team to the sword, bullish outside noises will permeate the most water-tight of camps.

You could see it in some of Galway’s play against Laois on Saturday. The desire to score goals is welcome, but not when the opportunities are forced. The boys in maroon at times tried to deliver hammer blows when routine points were begging to be taken.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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