Galway plea to fans - make the sixteenth man count against Tipp

GALWAY’S team management and players have made an impassioned plea for the county’s supporters to come out in force as the reigning National Hurling League holders face All-Ireland champions Tipperary in a pivotal NHL fixture at Pearse Stadium on Sunday (2:30pm).

Unlike last weekend’s dour struggle against Dublin, which saw Galway steal a 2-11 to 0-14 victory following an injury-time goal from Eanna Ryan, this weekend’s showdown between the respective champions could be a thriller, according to Galway captain Damien Joyce.

“Every game is going to be different,” says Joyce. “This weekend’s game against Tipperary could be totally different (from last Sunday’s). It could be open, free-flowing, with a big score; where against Dublin it was tight and we had to grind out the result.

“It is good, though, that we are able to win a tight game. That is awfully important because you will probably have plenty of tight games as you go through the season. I suppose, again, every game is kind of different. In some games, it goes in ‘fits and starts’ and you have to be able to play in those games and do well in those. Other games are wide open and you have to be able to do as good in those as well.”

However, no matter what the nature of Sunday’s clash is, Joyce hopes Galway supporters will turn out in force for the Tribesmen’s last competitive home game of the season.

“Hopefully they will. After all, the All-Ireland champions are coming up to Pearse Stadium and, if it is a smashing day, it should be a game to really look forward to. So, hopefully, there will be a good crowd there. And, hopefully, we can put up a good show there as well.”

Galway manager John McIntyre has also called for supporters to come out in force for the attractive league fixture. “I am issuing an appeal for fans to turn up and rally behind the team on Sunday. It’s the last opportunity to see the Galway hurlers at home this year.

“The All-Ireland champions are rolling into town and it’s also a chance to see the best team of 2010. The counties served up a thrilling All-Ireland quarter-final last year and the stakes are still high for both teams in the National League,” said the Galway boss, who has yet to record a win over his native county in his time in charge.

Aside from the litany of long-term absentees through injury, Galway have now lost corner back David Collins who only lasted four minutes of the Dublin game after picking up a nasty leg injury that required six stitches. The Mellows clubman has been ruled out of action for at least ten days.

Defender Adrian Cullinane and midfield duo Ger Farragher and David Burke all carried leg injuries into that game, but McIntyre is optimistic that they will all be fit and in contention for starting places come Sunday.

His squad will also be boosted by the return of Clarinbridge pair Barry Daly and Eoin Forde, both of whom return to duty following their St. Patrick’s Day heroics in the All-Ireland Club decider against O’Loughlin Gaels of Kilkenny, while Iarla Tannian is also in contention after returning from a family wedding in the United States of America last weekend.

See Connacht Tribune sport for full preview.