In my introductory column back in April, I spoke about how fortunate we are as a county. That sentiment still holds true – even in a year many would consider disappointing for our senior men’s GAA teams.
While the spotlight so often fixates on the men’s side of the ledger, it is time to redirect our attention to Galway’s senior female sides. As the inter-county championship season reaches its climax, both our ladies footballers and camogie players have powered into their respective All-Ireland semi-finals, with eyes firmly set on the biggest prizes.
The ladies’ footballers face a formidable Dublin outfit this Saturday in O’Connor Park, Tullamore, a match brimming with significance for this ambitious squad. Seven days later, Galway’s camogie side – no strangers to the drama of late summer – will clash with Tipperary in Kilkenny. They remain in the safe hands of the ever-astute Cathal Murray, a man whose ability to deliver when it matters needs little introduction.
Murray’s credentials were reinforced recently when he guided Galway’s U-23 camogie side to the inaugural All-Ireland title at this newly introduced grade. In a success that reflects his personal commitment not only to the present but also the future betterment of Galway camogie and his squad.
On the ladies’ football front, senior boss Daniel Moynihan knows a thing or two about building successful teams. After guiding Galway minors to All-Ireland honours in 2023, he assumed the senior reins and led them to last year’s All-Ireland final in his debut season. His charges, like Murray’s, will be eager to set the record straight and go one better this time around.
Gordon makes history
There will be Galway representation at Croke Park this weekend, though not in the form many would have hoped. Killimor’s own Liam Gordon will take charge of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final between Cork and Tipperary. In doing so, becoming the first Galway man to referee the showpiece in 61 years.
It is a remarkable stat in many ways, and a fitting reward for a referee who is just as likely to be found officiating an underage match locally as he is in Thurles, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, or Croke Park. Liam’s consistency, calm authority, and fairness have made him widely respected across the game.
While we would all gladly swap his appointment for a Galway team walking out on All-Ireland final day, it is still a source of pride to see the best referee in the country hail from our county. Best of luck to Liam and his team of umpires, Damien Gibbons, Alan McClearn, John Larkin, and Ollie Reilly – all from Killimor.
Club season beckons
Even with the early exits for our senior county sides, the turnaround to club season is swift. In just three weeks, the Galway Senior Football Championship kicks off once again.
In the coming weeks, these pages will turn toward the local scene, profiling the contenders, dark horses, and possible also-rans.
It is hard to look past the usual suspects: three-in-a-row chasing Corofin, Salthill-Knocknacarra, Maigh Cuilinn, and Tuam Stars. The form book suggests that last year’s semi-finalists should have the depth and experience to return to that stage – barring early knockout draws against each other.
‘The Stars’ laid down a marker with silverware in their derby Division 1 final win over Corofin, though the reigning champions remain the team to beat.
Behind them, the chasing pack is wide open. While an outsider title win feels unlikely, clubs like Mountbellew-Moylough, Annaghdown, Milltown, St James’, Killannin, Oughterard, and the steadily rising Dunmore MacHales are all capable of causing headaches on their day.
Naomh Anna Leitir Móir continue to build well, with successive league promotions pointing to a team on the rise. Meanwhile, Barna and Claregalway – both pulled into the relegation scrap last year – will be desperate for a stronger showing this time around.
As for the relegation conversation, the early betting odds suggest Barna, Monivea-Abbey, and St Michael’s are the most at risk. But it would not be a huge surprise if one or two of those end up reaching the knockout stages.
In the small ball, it’s looking most likely that honours will go to one of holders Loughrea, St Thomas’, Turloughmore, Sarsfields or last year’s runners-up Cappataggle. Clarinbridge, Castlegar and Oranmore-Maree are next in line with the remaining outfits to have a shot.
With the rest being clear outsiders to get their hands on the Tom Callanan Cup this year – their main ambition will be firstly survival and then attempting to take a scalp or two along the way.
Stay tuned over the coming weeks as we preview each group and try our best to predict where silverware will be heading.
