Galway's entrance into Leinster was marked by a victory at Tullamore. Now another hurdle must be cleared at New Ross on Sunday, and Wexford, emboldened by their efficient success against UCD, will be intent on taking Galway's scalp.
Having rifled over 20 points against the students at Ferns, Wexford received an injection of optimism as Colm Bonnar's reign commenced in positive fashion. Diarmuid Lyng hit five points and will need to be policed closely, while David O'Connor, Stephen Doyle, and Rory Jacob are respected intercounty hurlers. Neither outfit will be at full strength, and though significant emphasis is not being placed on the Walsh Cup by Galway, contentment comes with victories.
Following the merited 1-17 to 2-10 triumph over Offaly, John McIntyre was satisfied by the manner Galway survived.
"We knew coming down here it was going to be a tough game and it turned out exactly as we'd anticipated. Galway had to battle to win that match and maybe that's the most encouraging thing. Sometimes when you win by three or four points, that's when you find out more about your team than maybe going into a big lead early on and never being under pressure. We were under pressure there to win the game and they stood up to it. That's something to build on. It's only the middle of January, but you should never apologise for winning."
Most of the hurling debate surrounded the implementation of the new rules. Galway's joust with Offaly featured three yellow cards for David Kenny and Ger Oakley (Offaly ), and Cyril Donnellan (Galway ), and McIntyre's interpretation was "very harsh”.
“ I know David Kenny and Ger Oakley very well and two more honest and honourable players you couldn't meet. From where I was standing there was an injustice done to both of them. I don't blame the referee today, I blame the legislators. There are people up in Croke Park trying to justify their existence, coming up with these rules. Maybe there's a football problem, but none of those tackles deserved a yellow card, including the one our man Cyril Donnellan got. ”
Despite the decisions, Galway still had to post a high score to edge past the Faithful. Ger Farragher's sharp striking yielded seven points, while Aonghus Callanan and Niall Healy's enterprise was similarly crucial. Callanan pocketed 1-2 and has the ability to force his way into the team for the NHL. Elsewhere the composure of Fergal Moore, Shane Kavanagh, and Ger Mahon meant Offaly were not allowed to hit the front during a committed second half.
