Galway hurlers will look to take a big step on their quest to reach a Leinster final when they take on Offaly at Pearse Stadium this Sunday.
Micheál Donohue's side made a rip-roaring start to their Leinster campaign when they annihilated Kilkenny at Pearse Stadium last weekend. That 15-point victory lays down the gauntlet to their competitors that Leinster glory is this team's target.
It was more than just the scoreline that earned this Galway side its plaudits. The manner in which the Tribesmen dismantled the current six-in-a-row Leinster title holders was a statement. When you take into account that they did so with four debutants makes this victory even more impressive.
Aaron Niland stole the show on his championship debut, top-scoring with 0-8. Jason Rabbitte notched 1-1 while both Cillian Trayers and Cian Daniels made telling contributions on their debuts. Rory Burke, making his first championship start, scored 2-2.
Their opposition on Sunday afternoon, Offaly, gave a very solid account of themselves in their thrilling 4-22 to 2-28 draw against Dublin at O'Connor Park.
The superb Adam Screeney will be at the forefront of the Galway defences' focus, especially after his 1-9 display last weekend. But fellow forwards Charlie Mitchell and Brian Duignan pose serious threats of their own.
Donohue hailed the energy that his young guns have brought to the squad after last weekend's victory. No doubt that energy has been the catalyst for this renewed Galway hurling wave.
It's a wave that looks like it will take some stopping. But Galway cannot afford complacency to slip into their game, especially against the potential banana-skin threat that Offaly pose.
Throw-in at Pearse Stadium this Sunday is 3.30pm.
