After falling to defeat for the first time to Kilkenny in the group stages of the Leinster senior hurling championship last Saturday afternoon, manager Micheál Donoghue admitted his displeasure with what was a very disappointing performance in the aftermath of a twelve-point loss in Nowlan Park.
With little time to regroup, Galway are on the road again this weekend as they travel to Tullamore on Saturday evening (throw-in: 6.30pm ) to take on a buoyant Offaly side in a provincial clash for the first time since 2018.
Having lost by a dozen for the fourth time this year, there were few if any positives to take from their championship opener. Galway appeared to be causing Kilkenny some problems in the opening quarter, but once the home side adjusted and upped the tempo, there only ever looked like being one winner.
Derek Lyng had to withdraw Adrian Mullen and Shane Murphy early due to injury and was also without T.J. Reid meaning Galway weren’t even facing their strongest line-up. The visitors consistently coughed up easy scores while working hard for their own and when Kilkenny scored eight of the last ten points in the first half, the die was cast.
Galway’s inside forward line struggled to make any sort of impact on the contest, with Cathal Mannion the only forward to hit more than two scores from play. Huw Lawlor and Mikey Butler may have been at close to their best form, but the quality of ball delivered in was below par.
John Fleming did well for a spell on his championship debut before finding the going tough tracking Jordan Molloy. Rory Burke and Anthony Burns were introduced for their championship bows late on. Daithí Burke, Conor Cooney, and Ronan Glennon were also brought in, and surely plenty of personnel changes can be expected for their second outing on Saturday.
Offaly travelled to Parnell Park last Saturday and almost came away with a win against Dublin, leading by three with time running out for Niall Ó Ceallacháin’s men. Dublin’s bench ultimately proved the difference with Ronan Hayes firing in a late goal to edge the home team over the line.
Johnny Kelly’s men battled determinedly throughout and in Killian Sampson, Oisín Kelly, and Brian Duignan had plenty of firepower up front, with all six starting forwards registering scores. Adam Screeney played no part after his long-awaited return from injury with the county’s U20’s in mid-week but he could help get the home crowd going this weekend.
Galway are still heavily favoured to win this contest, but Offaly will hope to rattle the visitors in the early stages and test their character. There is no reason Galway should feel any way complacent about this contest and with a week off to follow before the home clash with Wexford, a win is a must if they are to still harbour thoughts of qualifying in the top three.
