Suddenly the Leinster hurling championship is full of interesting possibilities again. On Saturday evening in O’Connor Park this semi-final between Galway and Kilkenny promises to be revealing.
Kilkenny, hurling’s standard bearers over the past three years, are completely aware of the threat Galway carry when the mood strikes, and a lively battle is imminent.
When shocking Kilkenny in the All Ireland semi finals of 2001 and 2005 Galway were the rank outsiders, and it is a similar story in 2009. With odds of 5/1 available on a maroon success, the bookmakers expect Kilkenny to oblige, but a quiet confidence exists in the Galway camp. A healthy 20,000 crowd is expected at the midlands venue to see whether Galway can replicate the drive and desire that has tamed the Cats before.
Inevitably talk regarding injury doubts is swirling around the county, but Joe Canning is expected to be deemed fit to play. Kilkenny have a few problems of their own with Noel Hickey troubled by a knee problem, but Cha Fitzpatrick, bothered by mumps during the spring, is now deemed fully fit again.
And restricting Fitzpatrick’s considerable influence is one of the many errands Galway intend to carry out. Thwarting Henry Shefflin, Eddie Brennan, and Aidan Fogarty will be foremost in the minds of a Galway backline that yearns to be safe and secure.
Almost unnoticed Galway’s defence has been remodelled, and there is enough physicality to frustrate Kilkenny. Shane Kavanagh, Richie Murray, and John Lee, will not be vexed by the rough and tumble, and considering that Tipperary were highly competitive in the Allianz NHL decider, a frenetic start is likely.
After torching Laois the Galway forwards will need to exhibit such rage against high calibre opponents, and if their colleagues further back can limit the damage caused, an upset could occur.
Laois were never going to provide a severe examination for Galway’s Leinster opener, but manager John McIntyre is a realist, and acknowledged that the day had its small uses.
“Winning our first Leinster championship match by 27 points leaves no room for argument, but I can assure you nobody in the Galway camp is getting carried away by our record margin of victory over Laois at O'Moore Park. At least the players have now got a sample of the atmosphere up there and won't be nearly so curious about this provincial semi-final.
“Our full forward line of Damien Hayes, Niall Healy and Joe Canning was really on fire, and while our defence didn't concede a goal, they will be disappointed at Laois' final tally of 17 points, especially as they played the entire second-half with only 13 men. Too many frees were given away as well and this is an area we must really tighten up for the bigger tests ahead.”
The Laois match was costly too for Galway as the red card issued to Kevin Hayes denies Galway a solid presence at centre forward. Adept at breaking up the play, and creating chances, Hayes’ absence will be sorely felt by Galway, especially against an outfit such as Kilkenny, who usually hurl in a fast and furious way.
McIntyre admits that Hayes will be missed as Galway make a step up in class. “I felt sorry for Kevin Hayes as it looked a really harsh call by referee Brian Gavin of Offaly, but there is a major clampdown by the GAA on discipline and 'Chunky' unfortunately will now miss the semi-final.”
The time has arrived for Galway to deliver a significant championship display. Two years ago at Croke Park Galway matched Kilkenny for vast chunks of an intriguing joust before being nailed by a Brennan goal with 10 minutes remaining.
It is not an All Ireland title that Galway are currently plotting, and the simple one game at a time philosophy should ensure there is a real competitiveness to Saturday’s fixture. Kilkenny’s prowess and pedigree is undeniable, but if Galway can absorb the blows, there should not be any shortage of drama.
McIntrye, John Hardiman, Joe Connolly, and John Moylan have prepared Galway for a substantial task in Tullamore. The Galway hurlers now have to accept the responsibility again, and prove they have both the skill and spirit to compete at this level.
