Galway's senior hurlers aim to build on their flying start to the Leinster championship on their first away trip to Kildare on Saturday afternoon.
Micheál Donohue's charges have made a flawless start to their championship campaign with two wins from two. Their opening day dismantling of Kilkenny was continued with a 2-26 to 1-18 victory over Offaly at Pearse Stadium a fortnight ago.
Expectations were high after a promising league campaign and the Tribesmen have picked up where they left off. A place in the Leinster final is well within reach for this up-and-coming side. Victory over Kildare and a third win on the bounce would be yet another indicator that this Galway team are ready to take the next step.
Young forward Aaron Niland was to the fore once more for Galway against Offaly. A total of 0-9, seven of which were dead balls, built on his impressive display against Kilkenny. Top scorer again, the Clarinbridge man has taken to this level like a duck to water. Rory Burke, on his second championship start, notched up 1-2.
Conor Whelan was imperious at full forward, amassing 0-5 from play. Cathal Mannion's influence on this team goes beyond scores on the board, as demonstrated against Kilkenny. However, his 0-4 total against Offaly oozed class.
Galway's attacking power, coupled with their dogged defending stands them in good stead going forward. The optimism from the Tribesman faithful is justified.
Their opponents Kildare are winless so far, suffering defeats to Wexford and Dublin in their opening two fixtures. Galway should be too much for them, but can ill-afford complacency at this level.
Throw-in at Cedral St Conleth's Park is 3.30pm this Saturday, May 9.
