Galway's National Hurling League campaign continues this Saturday against last season's All-Ireland runners-up Cork at Pearse Stadium.
Micheal Donohue's team tasted defeat in their first league outing to Tipperary last weekend, but that will not dent spirits. A youthful Galway side put it right up to the All-Ireland champions, who needed a late surge to grind out a five-point victory.
The scoreboard may suggest a comfortable win for Tipp, but it was anything but. Management will be enthused by the hunger and aggression displayed by Galway, especially seeing as Tipperary fielded 10 of the 15 that blitzed Cork at Croke Park last July. New skipper Darren Morrissey was also forced off early due to an ankle injury.
Cork, under new manager Ben O'Connor, showed no signs of an All-Ireland hangover as they breezed past Waterford in their opening fixture.
All eyes were fixed on SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the beginning of a new era for the Rebels. Within nine minutes their authority was stamped on the contest, as they averaged a score a minute to lead 0-9 to 0-1.
The new boss started 10 of Pat Ryan’s All-Ireland 15 and their final score of 3-25 is made more impressive by the fact Cork shot 12 wides overall. Deccie Dalton and William Buckley amassed 1-4 each while Aaron Connolly notched 1-2.
The tasks do not get any easier for Donohue's men and there is an acceptance that patience will be required for this youthful squad to find their feet at the elite level. Nevertheless, Saturday's display means that Galway fans have something tangible and exciting to get behind.
Throw-in at Pearse Stadium on Saturday evening is 7pm.
