Despite managing just a single win from four National League outings, there is still a glass-half-full case to be made for the early season form of the Galway men’s flagship football and hurling teams.
Results alone don’t tell the full story. Beneath the surface, both panels have produced competitive displays, encouraging individual performances and enough evidence to suggest that solid foundations are being laid for the future.
For the footballers, that lone victory came in the most testing of environments, as Padraic Joyce’s side emerged from the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds with two invaluable points. Few venues present a sterner challenge, with Armagh’s raucous home support turning every visit into something close to a lion’s den. Particularly against a side that were All-Ireland champions just two seasons ago.
Let’s call a spade a spade, Galway were fortunate to head in front at the interval and equally fortunate to find themselves ahead again at the final whistle, courtesy of a last-gasp Rob Finnerty free struck after the hooter. It was another dramatic chapter in what has become a fascinating recent rivalry between the counties.
Given the number of absentees, players returning from injury and new faces being introduced, it’s understandable that cohesion remains a work in progress. Time and patience are required, particularly for those adjusting to the demands of senior inter-county football, and this league campaign is as much about learning as it is about immediate results.
Kickout issues rear their head
But Galway’s own kickout strategy — particularly after the break — was nothing short of disastrous. The men in maroon simply couldn’t get their hands on possession from Connor Gleeson’s restarts and, for long stretches, Armagh were able to come in relentless waves.
It would be unfair to place the blame solely at Gleeson’s door. The breakdown was collective, with receivers failing to make themselves available or win primary ball, and with no clear strategy evident to relieve the pressure. In the absence of John Maher, Paul Conroy and Cian D’Arcy, struggles on long kickouts were almost inevitable. Even if Shay McGlinchey’s overall contribution following his introduction was hugely encouraging.
That said, Galway’s short-to-medium kickouts also require attention, particularly when trying to navigate a high press as opposition sides turn up the heat and lock the defence in. Too often, exits were problematic, with Galway enduring a couple of moments that threatened to turn into disaster.
All things considered, if Padraic Joyce and his management team had been offered two points from the opening two games before a ball was kicked, they likely would have taken it. That return has also allowed valuable game time to be handed to the likes of McGlinchey, Fionn McDonagh, Oisín Mac Donnacha and Ciarán Mulhern making it all the more promising.
Five points should be enough to secure Division One survival, and last weekend’s result was a significant step in accumulating that target. With Cillian McDaid, Matthew Tierney and Shane Walsh all making strong contributions from the bench, and likely to be in contention to start against Kerry on Valentine’s Day, Galway can reasonably expect to pick up the points they need from the remaining fixtures.
Hurlers showing promise
Certainly, Micheal Donoghue would gladly trade places with Padraic Joyce at this stage, simply to have a win on the board. If anything, Galway’s hurling performances have arguably been stronger than the footballers’ up to now – based on where both teams have come from - yet they have nothing tangible to show for their efforts.
For long spells on Saturday evening in Pearse Stadium, Galway were simply excellent against Cork. Twenty-five minutes in, the Rebels had managed just four points in perfect conditions, with the likes of Cillian Trayers, Joshua Ryan and Ronan Glennon excelling in the full-back line.
Once again, however, the home side were guilty of costly inaccuracy in front of goal - much like the previous round against Tipperary - and in doing so kept Cork within touching distance. Against opposition of that calibre, even minor flaws are duly punished.
There is reason for optimism nonetheless. As Cathal Mannion sharpens up after his return and emerging talents such as Jason Rabbitte, Rory Burke, Darragh Neary and Aaron Niland continue to gain exposure at this level, composure and efficiency in front of the posts should improve. The mood in the stadium after the final whistle was of positivity.
That said, Galway now find themselves in a genuine dogfight for Division One survival. Offaly appear to be doomed, so it is imperative that Galway get the job done in Birr on February 22. From there, another victory against one of Kilkenny, Waterford or Limerick could potentially secure survival. Anything beyond that would be a bonus.
