Galway facing big battle to retain Division One status
IT will be all hands to the pump as Galway footballers seek to preserve their Division 1 status when they face Monaghan in a relegation play-off in Clones on Sunday (3:45pm).
After an indifferent group campaign, in which they lost heavily to Kerry, defeated Roscommon and submitted a gritty showing against All-Ireland champions Dublin, the Tribesmen have one shot to avoid the drop to Division 2 football.
Although their opening day 4-21 to 0-11 loss to Kerry is best forgotten, since then Galway have made significant improvements and can travel to Clones reasonably optimistic of claiming the Ulster outfit’s scalp.
Of course, the big debate in the lead-in to this contest has been should Monaghan, given their breach of Covid-19 regulations during lockdown, have home advantage for such a crucial fixture. Galway boss Padraic Joyce believes not – and rightly so.
At any rate, the Tribesmen will be looking to build on their performances against Roscommon and Dublin, the latter of which saw Galway push the six-in-a-row All-Ireland champions all the way at Tuam Stadium, with only an injury-time goal putting daylight between the sides.
While the Galway defence is a work in progress – and their kickout strategy when under the cosh needs improving – they do look a far tighter unit of late.
Bernard Power, one suspects, will start again between the posts, with Sean Kelly, Sean Mulkerrin in the full-back line, and Corofin trio Kieran Molloy, Dylan McHugh and Liam Silke likely to make up the outer densive unit.
Claregalway’s Jack Glynn sustained an arm injury against Dublin, forcing his withdrawal, but it’s understood he is responding positively and could return for this vital game.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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