Callanan’s heroics secures win for Galway

Kilkenny 0-18

For the second year running, Kinvara goalkeeper Colm Callanan produced the heroics against Kilkenny in their National League group fixture – only, on this occasion, his efforts were duly rewarded as Galway picked up another vital home victory of their Spring campaign at Pearse Stadium on Sunday.

When the sides met in the corresponding fixture at Nowlan Park 12 months ago, Callanan’s agility and bravery denied Kilkenny duo Mark Kelly and Walter Walsh what looked like certain goals in the closing quarter to ensure Galway’s scoring difference, despite losing 2-16 to 1-16, remained virtually intact.

On Sunday, Callanan was called into action, producing a series of top drawer saves with two minutes remaining to deprive substitute Kevin Kelly, on the double, and Jonjo Farrell in a frenetic passage of play that, ultimately, decided the destination of the two league points on offer.

By this stage, Galway held a dangerous two-point advantage, 0-19 to 0-17, and when Kilkenny – who had hit the post with a John Power effort moments earlier – looked to do what they do best, it required a steadfastness in Galway’s play that in the past they have often lacked. Yet, not on this occasion.

Farrell did subsequently reduce the margin to a single point for the All-Ireland champions with time almost up but Callanan’s string of saves, along with a clinical free from substitute Joe Canning, ensured the Tribesmen held their nerve to claim the spoils.

What has been most pleasing about Galway’s endeavours so far in 2015 is that they are showing a level of consistency from game to game. Three solid displays in the National League – reaping two victories – in addition to the Walsh Cup win have been hugely positive.

It just remains to be seen if they can take their game to the next level when they get their championship underway this Summer. That, really, has been the crux of their problem in recent seasons – the failure to weave the positives of league showings into a garment fit for the championship catwalk. Too often, it has been a case of the Emperor’s new clothes.

Padraig Mannion, with another outstanding display, John Hanbury and Johnny Coen looked the part in the full-back unit while the half-back division, especially David Collins, dealt admirably with an opposing line that Galway have traditionally struggled with in the past decade or so against Kilkenny.

In this regard, Gort’s Greg Lally, who, never shirking a challenge, had to withdraw late through injury, can be happy with his first start in the jersey. He strengthens an area where incumbent Gearoid McInerney, Gort’s Aidan Harte and the club-tied Daithí Burke will also be vying for inclusion.

Up front, the return of Joe Canning – who came on at half-time after returning from a finger injury – was also pivotal in this win. He scored four points, the first coming at the end of a super move involving Lally and Andy Smith while his second was simply a sublime sideline cut.

That effort came at a vital time given Kilkenny were after reeling off three points through the lively Richie Hogan – two from play – to bring the Cats back within two as the game entered the final quarter. With Jason Flynn for some reason withdrawn at this stage, Galway needed another finisher in attack and Canning provided that, particularly with his two late frees. They were by no means easy.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.