PREVIEW: Galway U20's target All-Ireland Hurling Championship glory
If the Galway U20 hurlers go all the way and claim All-Ireland honours in Thurles on Sunday at 2pm against Clare, the momentum and success would provide a huge boost for hurling in the county.
“It’s very important when you are talented as these guys are, a few guys involved in the senior squad. It’s a very busy time, they’ve a Leinster final the following week as well, we would still hold hope on that as well, it would be great if they can feature,” said Galway U20 hurling manager Gavin Keary.
Galway forwards Luke Kennedy and Darragh Counihan have recovered from their respective injuries, while Aaron Niland could play some part as well after being included on the bench for Gavin Keary’s side. Galway senior panelist Sean Murphy will also miss the game after undergoing shoulder surgery in recent weeks.
The Tribesmen have gone about their campaign in impressive fashion so far, recording Leinster group-stage victories over Wexford, Kilkenny and Kildare. Keary’s side required extra time to overcome Wexford in the Leinster semi-final, before delivering a ruthless display against Kilkenny last week to secure provincial U-20 honours for the first time since 2021.
At the back, Michael Fallon, Jonah Donnellan and captain Donnacha Campbell have provided a solid foundation for Galway. The return of Cullen Killeen to full fitness has also been a huge boost, with the Loughrea midfielder playing a pivotal role in the Leinster final victory over Kilkenny, earning the man-of-the-match award for his performance.
Up front, Ciaran Leen, Brian Callanan and Vince Morgan have formed a dangerous full-forward line, while Jack Shaughnessy’s accuracy from the placed ball has been vital in helping Galway reach their first All-Ireland U-20 final in five years.
Jason Rabbitte has been used mainly as an impact substitute, with the Athenry clubman juggling commitments between the senior and U-20 sides. In the last two weeks, he has featured in four games but with the senior team not in action this weekend, the Galway sharpshooter is expected to be in contention for a starting place.
Galway last claimed an All-Ireland title at this grade in 2011 when the current U-20 competition was played at U-21 level. Keary is expecting a massive challenge against Clare.
“Clare have probably been the most consistent team over the last two or three years at 20’s level. They’ve been in two Munster finals and winning one and some of these guys this is their third year playing with Clare. We played them early on in the year in a challenge match, they got the better of that evening by a few points, they're a really well coached team, they believe in themselves,” added Keary.
The Munster champions dramatically defeated Tipperary on a penalty shootout in the provincial final where goalkeeper Mark Sheedy proved to be the hero saving three penalties. Clare possess plenty of quality with players like James Hegarty, Fred Hegarty, Michael Collins and Thomas O’Connor in their ranks.
Keary was previously involved with Clare senior hurling team under Gerry O’Connor and Donal Moloney. Clare native Kieran Corcoran is part of the Galway U-20 hurling backroom team and his insight could prove crucial this weekend.
Galway and Clare met in the All-Ireland minor hurling final three years ago when the Banner county defeated their neighbours by five points.