Double date dilemma
Date Published: {J}
BY DARRAGH McDONAGH
GALWAY and Cork will clash in the final round of matches in the Allianz Hurling League in a fortnight knowing that neither side can be caught at the top of the table before their league final decider next month.
While the stakes may be low, the intensity of the match is expected to be high as the sides measure up in advance of the big encounter, according to Galway boss John McIntyre.
“It’s an unusual backdrop to the game but it’s a great position for both teams to be in,” he said.
“And I think both sides will hurl with a bit of reckless abandon that day that we probably won’t see a fortnight after that.”
Galway secured their place in the NHL final on Sunday with a dogged 0-17 to 0-15 win over Dublin in Pearse Stadium.
A late impetus from the returning Portumna contingent saw the Tribesmen come from behind in the final six minutes to succeed in doing what McIntyre described as “winning ugly”.
Meanwhile, Cork overcame Tipperary in a thriller at Pairc Uí Chaoimh by 1-16 to 1-15 to set the Rebels up for a showdown with Galway on May 2.
But the two sides must first compete in the final game of the NHL, in what is essentially a dead rubber.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.