Two restorative victories mean hope is coursing through Galway’s system again, but with challenges arriving thick and fast there is little time to reflect on the positive recent tidings. Wins over Munster opposition usually satisfy, and the manner in which Galway eked out results against Limerick and Waterford certainly augurs well. Nonetheless a frenetic spring schedule ensures Galway must be primed for another battle this Sunday when Tipperary enter Salthill for a match that ought to be revealing.
Tipperary, who enjoyed a productive 2008, don’t seem to have attached as much emphasis to the League this year, a mammoth defeat to Kilkenny aside, they have been competitive. Even without Eoin Kelly, who has only recently returned to full training, Tipp have still been able to rack up decent scoring returns. That was proven last Sunday in Semple Stadium as Liam Sheedy’s charges survived a tricky test against an evolving Dublin outfit.
Having suffered a crushing loss to Kilkenny in their previous encounter, Tipp needed to demonstrate character when the Dubs were in Thurles, and that is exactly what they did. Dublin bagged four goals, but Tipp plugged on defiantly. Such grit and focus may be needed on Sunday too as Galway have clearly benefited from the return of Joe Canning.
John McIntyre is enthused by the triumphs in the past fortnight, particularly with the perseverance, which has impressed. "It's a significant step forward for us. I was delighted with the players: they really worked hard. I felt we turned a corner against Limerick. The vibes in the camp were tremendous all week.
"We've done a lot of different things, they have responded well and obviously the return of the Portumna players is a big push on as well and we still have two or three to come in yet.
"If we left Waterford with a 13- or 14-point victory, we might all be thinking we're great people so we realise there is work to be done.”
But Galway are toiling along and before the summer examinations such labour is necessary. Inevitably the setbacks against Dublin and Kilkenny were pounced upon, but the recovery mission has been accelerated by a brace of successes.
Throughout the decades Tipp have never been accommodating opponents, and this was verified in the team’s two most recent meetings. Eager to avoid defeat in the group stages last year Eoin Kelly drilled over a free from near Shop Street to deny Galway last year, and then in the decider Tipp nicked goals at crucial junctures.
Galway’s defence hasn’t fared too badly in the past 140 minutes, and a similar level of security must be evident on Sunday. If the rearguard action can nullify a potent Tipp attack there are significant possibilities. A berth in the decider can still be attained by either team so there is an incentive if toppling Kilkenny remains one of the aspirations.
