With the Connacht championship now firmly on the horizon, attention inevitably turns to what Galway’s starting XV might look like. League football often raises as many questions as answers, and that certainly seems to be the case this year.
At this juncture, it feels something of a shot in the dark to pick a Galway starting team. A host of inexperienced players were thrust into league action, while key men like Shane Walsh, Cillian McDaid and Damien Comer once again missed either the bulk — or, in some cases, almost all — of the campaign. That all came in a league where Galway ultimately held on to their Division One status following victories over Armagh, Monaghan and Dublin.
Given the absence of those three high-profile players, it would seem foolhardy to include them in any projected selection. Yet, fully fit and firing, there is little doubt that all three would be certain starters for Galway — and indeed, pretty much any side in the country.
So, with that in mind, here is how I would line Galway up for their Connacht opener against either Sligo (at home ) or Leitrim (in Carrick-on-Shannon ) on April 25.
1. Conor Flaherty
The seemingly never-ending debate surrounding the Galway number one jersey rumbles on. Conor Flaherty, Connor Gleeson and Eamon McGrath all enjoyed runs of games during the league, and each brings different strengths and weaknesses.
Given Flaherty finished the league as first choice, one imagines management will lean towards him — at least for the provincial opener — particularly due to his solid short- and mid-range kickouts. That said, there may still be occasions where Gleeson’s booming restarts are required. A start for McGrath from this point onwards would come as a surprise given his lack of championship experience.
2. Jack Glynn, 3. Cian Hernon, 4. Johnny McGrath
Jack Glynn and Johnny McGrath are, barring injury, absolute certainties to start, particularly given that both have featured in every league game this year and remain firm favourites of the management team.
Cian Hernon, on the back of a solid league — especially his showing against Dublin — appears to have edged ahead of his clubmate Seán Fitzgerald for the full-back role. There is a reasonable argument that Hernon may be better suited elsewhere, but needs must. Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin is another viable option.
5. Seán Kelly, 6. Dylan McHugh, 7. Liam Silke
Both Seán Kelly and Dylan McHugh had solid league campaigns, with McHugh, in particular, trending towards his 2024 form after what was, by his standards, a relatively underwhelming year last season.
Kelly remains one of the best in the business, and his surging runs forward are a huge weapon. Admittedly, Liam Silke’s form has been somewhat patchy of late, but at his best he is a key player and a certain starter.
Finnian Ó Laoi picked up an injury at an inopportune time, while Daniel O’Flaherty appears to be viewed more as an impact option. Kieran Molloy seems to have slipped down the pecking order. Could a fit-again John Daly offer something different here as the championship unfolds?
8. John Maher, 9. Matthew Tierney
After the horror injury sustained during the club season, Maher has returned to the maroon and white with a bang. At times, he has driven Galway forward almost single-handedly and remains a key cog in this team.
Matthew Tierney has hit a rich vein of form at midfield, finishing the league with an impressive 2-12. Cein D’Arcy will likely rotate in here at stages, given his ability to win primary possession also. Paul Conroy could also be an option, while the youthful Shay McGlinchey looks a player for the future — though this may come a year too soon.
10. Shane McGrath, 11. Cein D’Arcy, 12. Liam Ó Conghaile
This is a line that remains very much up in the air, though D’Arcy looks the most likely to feature. McGrath and Ó Conghaile showed flashes of real quality during the league, though both also experienced dips in form which is to be expected.
A run-out against Sligo or Leitrim could provide valuable championship minutes. Cillian McDaid would be a likely inclusion here if available, while Finnian Ó Laoi would add pace. Ciarán Mulhern is another option, and Matthew Thompson will hopefully return later in the summer following his Erasmus spell in the US.
13. Rob Finnerty, 14. Paul Conroy, 15. Oisín Mac Donnacha
Rob Finnerty has been Galway’s standout forward over the past couple of years and once again led the line admirably during the league with some sublime scoring displays.
In the continued absence of Comer and Walsh, he could benefit from the presence of a more experienced operator alongside him, and Paul Conroy certainly fits that bill. Oisín Mac Donnacha’s form to date also warrants selection ahead of the likes of Fionn McDonagh and Colm Costello. Ó Conghaile could very well be put inside too.
