Galway minor hurling team named for All Ireland semi-final clash with Limerick
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GALWAY minor hurling manager Kenneth Burke said his side are keen to keep the feel good factor in Galway hurling going this weekend.
It has been a special period for Galway hurling winning minor, U-20 and senior Leinster championships to complete a remarkable provincial treble for the first time in their history.
“It gives us confidence from the seniors winning at the weekend that Galway hurling is in a good place, and that we can believe that we are good enough in these situations and that we can go on to win the games that really matter,” Burke told Tribune Sport.
“All the vibes are good, hopefully the energy is good and the positivity is good from everyone at the weekend and that we can bring a performance and keep it going. It’ll encourage all the younger generation of players that want to play for Galway that they want to commit to playing a high level of hurling.”
Burke admitted that while minor hurling is about development, it’s important that his side take their opportunity against Limerick on Saturday in the All-Ireland semi-final. This will be Galway’s first competitive outing since their extra time victory over Kilkenny in the Leinster minor hurling final on May 18.
“The way you can develop players is lots of games which is what we’re getting. It’s about instilling that belief in them that they can win these tight games. It’s important when they’re starting out in their inter-county journeys that they can win these tight games and go on and win silverware. Obviously winning the Leinster championship was important and hopefully we can stay going.
“It’s a balancing act that you don’t overburden them with massive pressure, the main point is that if we perform, hopefully, the result looks after itself. All the preparation is done, there is a lot of work done over the last seven or eight months, hopefully they’re raring to go and they can get going from the beginning,” added Burke.
Galway are aiming to reach the All-Ireland minor hurling final for the first time since 2023. Burke’s charges produced an impressive Leinster championship which saw them record wins over Laois, Wexford and Kilkenny.
Munster champions Tipperary face Cork in the other All-Ireland minor hurling championship semi-final on Saturday (2pm) in the TUS Gaelic Grounds.
GALWAY: Mark Walsh; Jack Cahill, Dillon O’Shaughnessy, Ethan Whyte; Cathal Donoghue, Conor Lynskey, Ultan Leen; Gus Lohan (Captain), Jamie Egan; Eoghan McClearn,Tadhg Mac Cárthaigh, Tom McAdam; Michael Coen, Cathal Larkin, Anthony Poinard.
SUBS: Oran Stratford, Conor O’Neill, Joey McMahon, Eli Huban, Daithi Linnane, Ultan O’Connor, Cillian Power, Daithi Dillon, Kayn Boyle, Culann Leen, Hiudai Mulkernins.