Galway U21s can floor the Rebels in another big match

 TWO years ago, there was a perception – admittedly a largely retrospective one – that the Galway U21 footballers had won a relatively soft All-Ireland title. Having come through their provincial campaign without being pushed to the wire, the Tribesmen were then viewed as having caught Alan Walsh and Cork unawares in the All-Ireland semi-final before accounting for a Cavan team which didn’t really fire in the decider.

That theory might have some merit, but still shouldn’t detract from the county’s fourth All-Ireland triumph in the grade. Galway certainly improved as the championship evolved but, to date, the benefit of that successful campaign has not yet been seen at senior level. Against that background, the expectation is that if the Connacht champions can again overcome the Rebels in another big U21 match in Limerick on Saturday, it will provide a more sustained boost to Galway football in the medium term.

Thomas Flynn is a survivor from two years ago, but he was only just out of the minor ranks and has been injury prone since. The Athenry clubman has gradually worked his way back to fitness and his big contribution in the recent All-Ireland semi-final against Kildare suggests a player now ready to step up to the highest level. Flynn has also filled out physically and he looks a realistic option to solving the county seniors’ ongoing midfield woes.

In the meantime, Flynn will be hoping to pick up a second All-Ireland U21 medal at the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday with a Galway team which made a mockery of bookmaker pre-match odds last month in Tullamore. Kildare, with six players who had lined out in the National League semi-final against Tyrone, were expected to be too powerful and physical for the Tribesmen. Initially, the Lilywhites threatened to run over Galway, but Flynn was leading the resistance and his early goal gave them an invaluable lift against wasteful opponents.

Ultimately, the Connacht champions proved the more natural and instinctive footballers. The pacey Shane Walsh inflicted a lot of damage up front as well with centre forward Sean Moran grabbing the decisive second goal as Galway gradually grew in authority and confidence despite the loss of defenders, Daithi Burke and David Cunnane, through injury in the second-half. Furthermore, the team had a high work ethic and, crucially, maintained their composure when Kildare were dominant in the opening quarter.

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.