Unknown U-21’s have it all to do

Date Published: 20-Aug-2009

GALWAY’S U-21 hurlers will hope to emulate the achievement of the county’s minors and advance at the expense of Munster champions Clare to September’s All-Ireland decider when they face the Banner in a mouth-watering semi-final at Semple Stadium, Thurles, this Saturday (2:30 p.m.).

Under the management of former double All-Ireland senior medal winner Anthony Cunningham, and selectors Pat O’Connor and Brian Hanley, Galway have a number of survivors from the side that was defeated by Kilkenny at the same venue and at the same stage of the competition last year.

These include goalkeeper James Skehill (Cappataggle), midfielders Eoin Forde (Clarinbridge) and Aidan Harte (Gort), and attackers Kevin Keehan (Beagh), Enda Concannon (Castlegar) and, of course, Portumna’s Joe Canning, who captains the side this year.

In addition, they also have a plethora of the ’08 squad members available, including Mullagh netminder Eric Ward, Craughwell’s John Ryan, Gort’s Sylvie Óg Linnane and Meelick-Eyrecourt’s
Niall Lynch.

Among those, then…