Galway senior hurlers get job done in home victory
THE Galway senior hurlers went one step closer to securing their Division 1A status with an eight-point victory over Waterford last Sunday at Pearse Stadium.
THE Galway senior hurlers went one step closer to securing their Division 1A status with an eight-point victory over Waterford last Sunday at Pearse Stadium.
A Tipperary victory over Waterford this weekend will see Galway retain their Division 1A status for the 2027 season, irrespective of what happens in their final two games. Meanwhile, a win for Micheal Donoghue’s side over Kilkenny on Saturday could see them in contention for a place in the league final. The Tribesmen never looked like losing this contest and were in control for large parts, Waterford struggled to match their opponents' intensity. The hosts showed more intent in attacking positions and always managed to stay in front after the first quarter.
Galway’s approach of working possession out from defence was a standout feature in Salthill despite the challenging conditions, and they appear to be establishing a clear and distinctive style of play.
“I'd be a small bit disappointed with our second-half performance, but I suppose it's a team in transition with a lot of young fellas, so the key thing for us is just to keep building our consistency and get that performance that we're craving for 70 minutes,” said Galway manager Micheal Donoghue.
Corner backs Joshua Ryan and Kieran Hanrahan were disciplined in the tackle and both players drove forward whenever they got the chance. Captain Darren Morrissey made a welcome return from injury, while Cian Daniels continues to grow in his debut season at inter-county level. Jason Rabbitte and Aaron Niland were particularly impressive in attack.
Free-taking duties changed throughout the game between Cathal Mannion and Aaron Niland.
Mannion was off target with four frees, while Niland took over the free taking duties, late in the second half. There appears to be some uncertainty on who will be Galway's free taker heading into the championship.
Waterford raced into a two-point lead after good work by Jack Prendergast and Michael Kiely.
After excellent build-up play from Padraic and Cathal Mannion, Jason Rabbitte secured a superb diagonal delivery before offloading to Ronan Glennon who batted the sliotar past goalkeeper Billy Nolan. The sides continued to trade scores and were deadlocked 1-3 to 0-6 after 12 minutes. However, despite playing against the breeze the hosts hit 1-7 without reply in an eleven-minute spell.
Aaron Niland and Cathal Mannion began to shine in attack, contributing heavily to the scoring, while Tom Monaghan added a point from play. Tiernan Killeen then turned provider to set up Colm Molloy for Galway’s second goal, giving the hosts a commanding 2-9 to 0-6 lead. Waterford stayed within reach through efforts from Billy Nolan, Jack Prendergast and three placed balls by Stephen Bennett, capitalising on some loose Galway passing. Still, late scores from Niland and Mannion left Galway ahead 2-11 to 0-11 at half-time.
Further points from Monaghan and Mannion stretched the margin early in the second half.
In between that period, Cianan Fahy blocked down Calum Lyons though Fahy’s follow-up chance was saved by Nolan.
The victors maintained control through Rabbitte, Niland and Mannion, while Seán Walsh and two frees courtesy of Bennett kept Waterford eight points behind. Bennett later saw a goal attempt from a close range free, saved on the line by Kieran Hanrahan. Monaghan combined with Cian Daniels to push Galway further ahead but their margin of victory could have been greater.
Niland earned a penalty after being fouled by Mark Fitzgerald, who was black-carded by referee James Owens. Nolan produced another excellent save from the spot, and scoring dried up in the closing stages as Galway comfortably saw out the game without a score in the final thirteen minutes.
GALWAY: S O’Halloran; J Ryan, C Trayers, K Hanrahan; R Glennon (1-0), P Mannion, D Morrissey; C Fahy, C Daniels (0-2); T Killeen, C Mannion (0-9, 4fs, 0-1 65), A Niland (0-4, 0-1 f); J Rabbitte (0-1), C Molloy (1-0), T Monaghan (0-2). SUBS: C Whelan for Molloy (52); C Killeen for Fahy (53); TJ Brennan for Glennon (51); D McLoughlin for Rabbitte (65); C Cooney for Niland (66).
WATERFORD: B Nolan (0-1, 0-1 f); A O’Neill, M Fitzgerald, I Kenny; B Lynch, I Daly (0-1), Shane Bennett; P Leavey, R Halloran; M Kiely (0-1), J Prendergast (0-2), J Barron (0-1); K Mahony, S Walsh (0-2), Stephen Bennett (0-8, 0-7 fs). SUBS: C Lyons for Daly, P Curran for Mahony (both HT); S Mackey for Halloran (43); T de Búrca for Shane Bennett (47); J Fagan for Kiely (66).