After a disappointing start to their division one campaign, Galway need a win soon, and where better than in Tuam Stadium this weekend against Tyrone with the ball throwing in at 1.45pm.
The last time Galway faced Tyrone in a home league game, the Tribesmen annihilated Mickey Harte’s charges by 19 points, but Padraic Joyce and his backroom team would happily take a one-point win just to get two more points on the board.
The start of four games in a row against Ulster opposition will surely decide Galway’s fate in this league campaign. A home game against Tyrone is followed by a trip to Donegal, before welcoming Monaghan to Pearse Stadium. The group games finish on March 18 with an away trip to Armagh.
With the disappointing loss to Roscommon and Galway's failure to register a score after Ian Burke’s 51st-minute point, compounded with the loss of the talismanic Damien Comer for a minimum of six to eight weeks, the Galway management team needs something positive this weekend. Hopefully, Rob Finnerty is not too far away from fitness as Galway are currently without the whole full forward line that started last year’s All-Ireland final. With Shane Walsh currently taking a well-earned extended break after his club triumph with Kilmacud Crokes, Padraic Joyce has had the opportunity to give other players a chance to fill the void and strengthen his panel. Peter Cooke, Dessie Conneely, Eoin Finnerty, and Ian Burke have been the beneficiaries so far.
Tyrone had an awful 2022 season and the five-point loss to Roscommon on the opening weekend of the league had their supporters bracing for the worst, but round two’s demolition of Donegal has raised the spirits of the 2021 All-Ireland champions before their visit back to Tuam.
With Darren McCurry and Darragh Canavan starting to hit form and Cathal McShane getting a steady run of games, the right things are starting to happen up front for Tyrone, ensuring Galway’s defence must get on top early and stay there.
New recruits Neil Mulcahy and Eoghan Kelly, both from Moycullen, have so far impressed in their two league starts, bringing their fine club form into the county colours. The two Moycullen men's performances have somewhat lessened the loss of the two Corofin men, Kieran Molloy and Liam Silke, for this season.
With five of his All-Ireland team currently missing and trying to manage the game load on Jack Glynn, who this week lines out in the Sigerson Cup final, Padraic Joyce would be forgiven for making a number of excuses, but he has not.
He has been consistent in his approach and belief that other players within the county have their chance to stand up and make it more difficult to pick a team. He has not had much choice in the matter due to injuries, but has been adamant since the start of the FBD campaign that Galway needs a stronger squad and the players must prove themselves good enough.
Sunday afternoon in Tuam stadium is the chance for some players to start showing why they have been given that chance.
