Search Results for 'Brian Hanley'

Based on their lethargic performance on Saturday night, the Galway hurlers will need to improve their general standard of play and overall intensity of effort if they are to reach this season’s Leinster final.

Fresh from their confidence boosting win over Carlow in the preliminary round, Westmeath hurlers face a mammoth task as they welcome Galway to Cusack Park on Saturday evening. With Galway touted by many as strong all-Ireland contenders, a home win would be a shock of seismic proportions.

The Galway senior hurlers start their third senior Leinster championship campaign on Saturday when they take on Westmeath at 7pm in Cusack Park, Mullingar.

While they say one swallow doesn’t make a summer it is hard not to be enthused by the nature of this win over a fancied Carlow side. Without a win throughout the entire league and having parted company with manager Kevin Martin it is not surprising that most pundits had written off the Lakelanders chances.

The big surprise last weekend in the Cooper Hurling Championship came in Kenny Park with Turloughmore’s impressive and well-deserved 3-13 to 1-11 victory over All-Ireland champions Clarinbridge.

This weekend is one of vital importance for all involved in Westmeath hurling, with both the seniors and minors in championship action. On Saturday evening at 7pm our highly rated minor team take on neighbours Offaly in Tullamore in the Leinster quarter-final. On Sunday all attention will be focused on Dr Cullen Park where the seniors face Carlow in a difficult opening game.

It is usually difficult and can take a few years for most teams to adjust to the step-up from intermediate to senior level in either hurling or football.

The Cooper Senior Hurling Championship quarter-finals are down for decision this weekend with one game on Saturday evening, and the other games taking place in Ballinasloe and Athenry on Sunday.

Even as late as yesterday afternoon the storm over the exceedingly unfair fixing of the All-Ireland u-21 final between Galway and Tipperary for Semple Stadium in Thurles on Saturday evening at 7pm had not fully abated and Galway will fulfil the fixture under protest.