PREVIEW: Galway hurlers aiming to end Croke Park blues

This Saturday, Galway and Dublin meet in the Leinster final at Croke Park, with throw-in at 6pm. Tipperary native Michael Kennedy takes charge of the big match.

The Dubs remain unbeaten throughout the Leinster SHC. After a draw with Offaly in round one, they went on to win four games on the bounce and finished top of the table during the round-robin series.

Micheál Donoghue’s charges have recorded four victories from their five championship games. Their only defeat came against Dublin in round four.

The Tribesmen started their Leinster SHC campaign with a comprehensive win over Kilkenny, but underwhelming performances against Offaly, Kildare and Wexford leave room for improvement.

Donoghue’s insight, along with Franny Forde’s and Noel Larkin’s knowledge from previously working with Dublin, could prove an advantage to Galway this weekend.

“I suppose it probably goes both ways. They would have a fair idea of what we look for. They're a superior team, they've progressed so much over the last couple of years. Niall (Ó Ceallacháin’s) imprint in the last two seasons is obvious as well. He's brought in a good few young players that have really hit the ground running,” said Donoghue.

“We know they're a serious squad and a serious team. They're a huge opposition for us at the weekend. Their trajectory over the last few years has gone one way. I know from being involved how important they view the Leinster Championship and their absolute huge desire to win one. We have to make sure that we match that desire. We have to have the same hunger for them because they're really fighting for it.”

Dublin’s victory over Kilkenny, which knocked ‘The Cats’ out of the championship, highlighted the progress they have made over the last two seasons. Liam Rushe and Eoghan O’Donnell both make their returns from injury this weekend.

Injuries have played their part in Galway’s season in recent weeks. However, Aaron Niland, Rory Burke and Cathal Mannion are all deemed enough to play in the Leinster SHC final.

Meanwhile, Kieran Hanrahan is set to undergo surgery on his Achilles tendon after picking up an ankle injury against Wexford.

“So yeah, we picked up a few (injuries), Kieran Hanrahan picked up a really nasty one in his Achilles tendon. So he's going to need surgery on that, which is really unfortunate for him. And obviously the discomfort was obvious when he was coming off the pitch. So it's a hard one to take for him, definitely because he was making a massive contribution.

“And you've seen Daithi (Burke) picked up an injury in the first half as well (against Wexford). So as I said scans yesterday and this morning on a few lads. Working really hard with the medical team, obviously you want to get your strongest team on the pitch.

"But just some of the injuries with the severity of them, you know, it's going to be up against the clock. Like I said, just with hamstrings and ankle injuries and just on the severity of it and making sure they have a few sessions under the belt. So it's just trying to manage that,” added Donoghue.

Donoghue also confirmed that Fintan Burke is making good progress from a knock he picked up earlier in the championship and Burke has been named on the Galway’s 26 man face panel to face Dublin.

Ronan Hayes and John Hetherton’s physical presence on the edge of the square caused Galway all sorts of problems in the round-robin meeting and it will be vital for the men in maroon and white to stop the direct ball going inside. Donal Burke’s accuracy from placed balls and Brian Hayes’ pace through the middle will also be key threats Galway will be looking to nullify.

Galway also hit 17 wides during the round-robin game and they will be looking for a significant improvement in their efficiency this time around. Conor Cooney was introduced off the bench against Wexford and hit 1-8 in the second half, putting himself in contention for a starting place this weekend.

Donoghue will be hoping his attack shows greater ruthlessness in front of goal. Especially with Conor Whelan and Jason Rabbitte in the full forward line, along with Cathal Mannion and Tom Monaghan looking to put the Boys in Blue on the back foot.

The winners of Saturday’s Leinster senior hurling final will advance directly to the All-Ireland semi-final, while the losers will meet Clare in the All-Ireland quarter-final.