Hurlers back to earth

Out-muscled and out-played for long periods, Galway were unable to build on the momentum they had generated in their impressive win over Dublin a week previous, but Cunningham insisted afterwards that this “is not the end of the world by any means”.

“Really, they (Waterford) were more physical and stronger than us there in the finish. I suppose, home advantage as well, it’s a big thing. They would be quite used to playing here in Walsh Park and the pitch was quite heavy as well.

“Having said that, we have a lot of lessons to take from today. It is not the end of the world by any means. As long as we take those lessons [on board], that is the biggest thing we can take away from here,” said Cunningham of the 0-22 to 1-13 loss.

Most of the damage was done in the first half when Galway, despite wind advantage, went in at the change of ends 0-9 to 0-8 down after hitting eight wides in this period. “Some of them were scoreable really,” lamented the Galway boss. “That is what I am talking about in home advantage.

“Then to face the elements, a home crowd and the home pitch in the second half, it made it that more difficult. We got a good lifeline with the goal but lost a few crucial battles just after that and Waterford got on top then. We probably missed the likes of Johnny Glynn and Niall Burke there in the second half when we really needed them.”

In many respects, Galway’s failure to kick on from Jason Flynn’s 48th minute goal was the most disappointing factor of the afternoon. The score had tied up the game (1-11 to 0-14) and the Tribesmen, without hitting the heights of the Sunday previous, still had a result within their sight.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.