These are encouraging times for Galway WFC, who are busy preparing for Saturday’s FAI Cup semi-final against Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
A revealing encounter beckons for Stephen Lally’s developing outfit, who continue to make significant strides.
Saturday’s WNL win away to Wexford Youths illustrated Galway’s potential with Lally optimistic ahead of the trip to Dublin.
“We are thrilled at the moment, you have to take it game by game, but we seem to be doing fairly well,” he says.
“Everyone seems to know their job, everyone is buying into what we are doing. I felt earlier on we were stretched, teams were able to play in between the lines and play through us. That is harder now.
“We are all working as a unit, it takes time, everything takes time. In fairness we are going as well as we possibly can, everyone is putting in a shift, everyone is doing as well as they can. As a coach that is all you can ask from anyone.”
Consistent and classy performances from Galway WFC captain Savannah McCarthy earned a recall to the Republic of Ireland senior international fold, while Julie Ann Russell, Meabh De Burca, Becky Walsh, and Emma Starr have made a welcome return to the maroon jersey in recent months.
“When I came in all I could do is to try to get the best out of what we can,” Lally says. “In fairness we have done that. The players that have come in, their presence has helped to bring on the young ones.
“Sav went in as skipper, she has been immense with everybody too. The likes of Julie Ann, she is absolutely flying now, Meabh De Burca, Becky Walsh, every one on the team is doing really well, I don't want to just single those three or four, but I just want to give an example.
“They are established players, they have been around, they are bringing the rest along now. Emma Starr has been huge for us in the middle of the park, well able to get around the pitch.
“Everyone has their own qualities, Chloe [Singleton] came on in the cup game, she was great. She was out sick with the flu, then she comes back the last day and does great. We need everybody, they have all been great which is very pleasing.”
**Listen to the full interview with Stephen Lally on this week’s ‘Cian On Sport’ podcast available on Soundcloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
