Footballers can expect tough challenge against Louth

Ray Silke

The Galway senior footballers set off on Saturday morning for the long journey to Drogheda to play Louth in their rescheduled National Football League round 2 tie (2.30pm).

The first game was called off due to a water-logged pitch at the Gaelic Grounds in Drogheda and the Galway bus had made it to Maynooth by the time word filtered through that the game was postponed.

Galway team selector Donál Ó Flatharta is now hoping the maroon outfit can follow up their first-round win over Derry with two more league points.

"The lads have been working very hard over the past few weeks and we want to build on the victory in Pearse Stadium,” he says. “ The mood is good in our camp and we are looking forward to the challenge on Saturday. It won't be easy up there to get a win, nevertheless it is a win that we are targeting.

"Division two is going to be very competitive from the first game to the last, and it is never easy to get points away from home in the league. We know from our draw with them last year in the league in Pearse Stadium that Louth are a good team.

“ They have some very good players in their set-up, like Paddy Keenan, and with Colm Judge, Brian White and John O' Brien back on the panel this year, they seem to have a good set-up going under their new manager Aidan O' Rourke. They were disappointed to lose to Westmeath in their first game out in the league and we will have to be really focused and ready for any potential back-lash to that defeat."

Galway will have to plan without midfielder Fiontáin Ó Curraoin who is in action with hot favourites DCU in the Sigerson Cup in Athlone at the weekend but there have been no new injuries.

Paul Conroy hit 1-5 from full-forward in the Railway Cup against Leinster last weekend and the big St James’ man can have a big role on Sunday's outcome. He was joined in the Connacht team by teammates Finian Hanley (at full-back), Joss Moore (corner-back), Gary O'Donnell (centre-back) and Michael Martin (wing-forward).

Galway's starting 15 will also include Michael Meehan, Gary Sice, Seán Armstrong, Danny Cummins, and newcomers Seán Denvir and John O' Brien who both did well in their respective wing forward roles against Derry.

Galway are favourites at 4/6 to win, with the home side available at an attractive enough 6/4.