Galway will lock horns with Cork for a place in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship final this Saturday afternoon in Croke Park.
Micheál Donohue’s side return to action for the first time since their 14-point victory over Dublin to claim a first Leinster title since 2018. Their reward for that win was direct passage to the All-Ireland semi-final against the winner of the quarter-final fixture between Cork and Offaly.
Cork’s response to losing their own provincial final was emphatic. A 6-25 to 2-11 drumming at GAA HQ two weeks ago felt like a statement of intent from the Rebels. Ben O’Connor, in his first year since taking over from Pat Ryan, is looking to take this Cork side to a third successive All-Ireland showpiece as they bid to end a 21-year wait for the Liam McCarthy trophy.
The Tribesmen will go into Saturday’s contest as underdogs in what will undoubtedly be their toughest test of the season. But Donohue’s young charges have risen to the occasion when called upon so far this year. They pushed Cork all the way to a two-point loss in the league, put up one of their best performances of the season in their narrow league defeat to Limerick, and were ruthless in the Leinster final victory against the Dubs.
That fearlessness this young team have showcased throughout the year means you cannot rule Galway out of making it to a first All-Ireland final since 2018. If they are to pull this off, the likes of Conor Whelan, Tom Monaghan and Aaron Niland will need to be efficient in front of the posts, while the defence have to be at their tenacious best. Cathal Mannion’s experience and influence will be imperative.
Throw-in at Croke Park this Saturday is 3.30pm.
