Galway senior hurlers chasing spot in Division 1A league final
THE Galway senior hurlers have a chance to secure a spot in the Division 1A league final against Limerick at 7pm at the TUS Gaelic Grounds on Saturday.
The Tribesmen are aware that a win over Limerick, combined with a Cork victory against Offaly and Kilkenny overcoming Tipperary, would guarantee their place in the Division 1A decider.
If Tipperary were to beat Kilkenny while Galway also claimed victory, scoring difference between Tipperary, Galway and Limerick in their head-to-head games would then determine who progresses.
Reaching the league final would be a big bonus for Micheal Donoghue’s side as it would serve as a valuable boost heading into the Leinster championship.
After losses to Tipperary and Cork in the opening two rounds, Galway responded strongly with three consecutive wins over Offaly, Waterford and Kilkenny. They have scored 6-113 in their five league games and conceded 3-93 in Division 1A,.
Their primary focus will soon shift to the opening round of the Leinster senior hurling championship against Kilkenny on Saturday, April 18, at Pearse Stadium. This Saturday could be their last competitive outing before round one of the Leinster SHC.
This spring has generated considerable optimism among Galway hurling supporters. Joshua Ryan, Cillian Trayers, Kieran Hanrahan, Cian Daniels, Darragh Neary, Rory Burke, Aaron Niland and Jason Rabbitte have all impressed during the National Hurling League and appear likely to feature when championship action begins.
Aaron Niland took over free taking duties against Kilkenny and the Clarinbridge man didn’t look out of place scoring 0-13 points with eight of those coming from placed balls.
Saturday presents an ideal opportunity for the Galway management to further assess emerging talent as they face experienced Limerick players such as Mike Casey, Diarmaid Byrnes, William O’Donoghue, Cian Lynch, Gearóid Hegarty and Aaron Gillane.
Daithí Burke, John Fleming, Gavin Lee and Daniel Loftus remain sidelined with injuries. Fintan Burke participated in the warm-up before Galway’s win over Kilkenny, while Brian Concannon has yet to feature this season.
“It’s hard going, it’s just unfortunate when you pick up one (injury) because there’s a lot of games in close proximity, you’re going to be out for a while. The medics are working hard, hopefully some of them won’t be far away," said Galway senior hurling manager Micheal Donoghue.
The Mannion brothers, Pádraic and Cathal, continue to be key figures, while the form of Ronan Glennon and captain Darren Morrissey has been particularly encouraging.
Last year, Limerick comfortably defeated Galway 1-27 to 0-18 in the National Hurling League. Donoghue's charges aim will be to remain competitive and see if they can take a result against the 2023 All-Ireland champions which would give them huge momentum.
Galway’s approach of building play from the back and progressing through the lines has helped them establish a clear and effective style of play.
“You can see the lads are enjoying it and hurling well, and there's a nice freedom to it. Everyone recognises and acknowledges when they’ve got the chance, they’ve got to take it,” added Donoghue.