Injured pair fit for replay

CIARAN TIERNEY

The Galway hurlers have no injury worries as they step up their preparations for the first replayed All-Ireland Hurling Final in 53 years when they take on reigning champions Kilkenny for the third time this summer at Croke Park on Sunday week, September 30 (3.30pm).

Both Sarsfields full-back Kevin Hynes and midfielder Iarla Tannian (Ardrahan) are on the road to full recovery from the heavy knocks they sustained in the tense 2-13 to 0-19 cliffhanger last Sunday week.

Tannian, who produced a stunning Man of the Match performance in the middle of the park, shipped a heavy knock within the first five minutes of the drawn game, while the versatile Hynes had to be replaced temporarily towards the end of the first half.

Hynes is not known as a ‘natural’ full-back, but worked hard to help his defence keep a clean sheet – in terms of goals – after being targeted in the early stages with some long balls out of the Kilkenny defence.Both players resumed light training with the Galway panel last week and are expected to be fully fit well in time for the eagerly-awaited rematch.

“Both Kevin and Iarla did pick up some knocks and bruises, but there’s no lasting damage or breakages,” confirmed Galway selector Mattie Kenny yesterday.

“Last week was a recovery week and the lads are back to full training this week. The knocks and bruises have cleared up and we are ready to drive on for the replay. It’s still an All-Ireland final, so there is no problem focusing the lads or showing the necessary hunger.”

There was a surreal atmosphere at the end of the drawn game, as referee Barry Kelly’s final whistle ensured the first replayed final since 1959, when Waterford and Kilkenny ended all square. Waterford beat the Cats by 3-12 to 1-10 in that year’s replay.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.