The manner in which the Galway senior hurlers have responded to their dismal championship opener against Kilkenny has stirred some optimism across the county. A professional demolition of Offaly helped steady the ship, but it is the fixtures in May - now the defining month in the provincial hurling calendar - that truly serve as the barometer for real progress.
Twelve months ago, Galway’s season spiralled downwards under Henry Shefflin.
First came a flat away defeat to Wexford. Despite a 14-point win over Antrim, the performance was underwhelming until Ryan McGarry saw red just minutes into the second half. The campaign ended with a bitterly disappointing loss to Dublin - ironically then managed by Galway's current boss Micheál Donoghue - as the Tribesmen bowed out with their worst showing since the round-robin format was introduced.
Turnaround under Donoghue
Fast forward a year, Galway have flipped last season’s eight-point loss to Wexford into a ten-point win last weekend - undeniable evidence of progression.
Barring a collapse against Antrim, Galway look firmly on course to emerge from Leinster. And if Kilkenny, as expected, take care of Dublin, it sets up a winner-takes-all clash in Parnell Park on May 25 in a de facto provincial semi-final against the Dubs.
Simply reaching the All-Ireland series would represent tangible progress after last year. Even more so after the humbling by Kilkenny in Round 1, it was hard to envisage Galway being in this strong a position. It is a clear indication that Donoghue and his team have taken lessons onboard.
There has been a marked improvement in intensity and aggression in recent weeks, especially in the congested middle third. Donoghue himself described the Kilkenny display as “unacceptable,” and since then, no one could accuse Galway of lacking fight. Defeats happen but supporters can accept them easier when a team leave everything between the white lines.
Overreliance on Mannion's brilliance
One man who has made an unmatched impact in Galway’s uptick in form has been Cathal Mannion.
Even in the Kilkenny game, he was Galway’s standout performer, notching ten points (four from play ). Across the Offaly and Wexford clashes, the Ahascragh-Fohenagh star has contributed a staggering 2-25, including 1-11 from open play. Numbers that reflect a player in irresistible form.
In fact, he has arguably been the best player in the country so far this championship.
Of the 3-75 Galway have scored in Leinster to date, Mannion has been responsible for nearly 49 per cent of the total tally and two-thirds of their goals. That is a level of dependence that simply is not sustainable. God forbid anything happens to him. Where will the necessary scores come from?
Inside line misfiring
Galway’s inside forward line, meanwhile, continues to struggle, even if the overall performances have improved.
Whether it is poor ball delivery, lack of movement upfront, or a combination of both, the full-forward line is not clicking. The lack of goal chances is concerning. With just three goals in the championship so far, Galway only outgun Antrim in terms of green flags in Leinster.
By comparison, Kilkenny (nine ), Wexford (eight ), and Dublin (seven ) have all been far more prolific in front of goal. If Galway have serious aspirations of competing with the Munster elite, this is an area that demands immediate improvement.
A welcome double-header
Credit where it is due, the GAA fixtures committee got this one right. Saturday’s hurling/football double-header in Pearse Stadium is a welcome treat, offering great value for fans of both codes.
With ticket prices steadily rising and many Galway supporters following both teams, it is refreshing to see a sensible, fan-friendly schedule. Getting to watch the hurlers take on Antrim and the footballers square off with Dublin, all for just €20, is a move that should be applauded by all concerned.
The Galway footballers find themselves in the most testing group, with the last two All-Ireland winners in Dublin and Armagh, as well as a well-rested Derry outfit. It appears Padraic Joyce’s side refuse to use it as a crutch.
Finishing top of the pile is paramount to a run at Sam Maguire. Topping your round-robin group affords you an extra rest as well as direct passage through to an All-Ireland quarter-final.
If Galway can secure a victory over the Dubs, they can take great confidence to an away tie with Derry before they renew old rivalries with Armagh, who narrowly fell after extra-time to Donegal a few days ago in the Ulster final. Should Galway keep knocking on the All-Ireland door, it is surely only a matter of time before they can walk on through.
Dublin are not the force they once were – minus a host of players who were laden with Celtic Crosses – a raucous home support should help drive the men in maroon and white to victory. The Mayo win was another shot in the arm they can draw from and one will expect a confidence-fuelled Galway to go out and lay down a real marker.
