Galway get their Allianz Hurling League campaign underway this Saturday against All-Ireland champions Tipperary at Semple Stadium.
Micheal Donohue's side go into the contest brimming with confidence after their Walsh Cup victory last weekend. It was the perfect start for new Galway captain Darren Morrissey who lifted his first piece of silverware as the Tribesmen prevailed in a penalty shootout against Dublin at Parnell Park.
It is Galway's fifth Walsh Cup title and their first since 2023. An added bonus for boss Donoghue is getting out of Dublin with no fresh injuries ahead of this weekend's National League opener.
Galway came out on top in a topsy-turvy occasion at Parnell Park. Evan Niland was Galway's leading scorer with 0-07 and took the man of the match award, while Conor Whelan struck their only goal in a gruelling contest.
Donohue was without Cathal Mannion and the Loughrea contingent due to their club All-Ireland efforts and took the opportunity to experiment through the Walsh Cup campaign. Galway retained just three players in their lineup from the team that started the semi-final against Offaly. Those being new skipper Morrissey, Cian Daniels and Declan McLaughlin. Ten debuts were handed out in that clash with Offaly.
There are several spots up for grabs in Donohue's side which adds an exciting caveat to the Tribesmen's league campaign.
Throw-in for Saturday's league opener between Galway and Tipperary will be 7pm at Semple Stadium.
