What a burst of enterprise it has been for Portumna. Laden with silverware and sweet successes Portumna are club standard bearers. For so long they watched Sarsfields and Athenry dominate, now it is Portumna who are viewed as the most prized scalp in the Galway game. It is one Gort intend to take.
And the underdogs, ravenous when nudging Loughrea out of the reckoning on a foul afternoon at Kenny Park, will be mildly encouraged by the turbulence Portumna have encountered on the journey to the decider. Portumna haven’t thrilled, but it was a similar tale in 2007. Then when faced with a promising Kinvara outfit Portumna went goal crazy, demolishing the challengers. That is why Gort crave a positive start, denying Portumna early scores is imperative because if they are afforded time and space damage will be inflicted.
This was proven by Portumna who survived scraps with Castlegar and Liam Mellows. The two city outfits had pockets of dominance, but Portumna's propensity to nick goals at critical junctures lingers on. When a team possesses the potency of a certain Joe Canning, already such a decorated figure, it is easy to reason why victories are accumulated. Portumna’s support cast is liberally stocked with foxy figures who are proven at this advanced stage, while a couple of promising youngsters offer extra options.
It is a nigh impossible task to thwart Canning racking up a haul of scores, but if Gort can deal with that issue and still hurl they have a slight chance. Tadgh and Sylvie Og Linnane will bring trademark aggression into the bargain, while Andy Coen is a shrewd performer, but the errands they face are hazardous.
At the other end of the field there is a nice cocktail of youth and experience in the Gort inside line. Richie Cummins' emergence for the Galway minors, particularly during an efficient and electric All-Ireland semi-final success over Cork, confirmed that Gort are blessed with a blistering forward. Ollie Fahy soldiered in maroon for a decade and was a crisp hurler capable of clipping tidy scores. Fahy’s wristy stickwork and propensity to be deft under pressure was always cute to watch. It is precisely what Gort need on Sunday as Fahy will have to lead by example cajoling the nifty Cummins through the hour. There should be assistance too from clinical free taker Gerry Quinn, who will punish any Portumna hesitancy, so they will have to defend with firm resolution.
It is 25 years since Gort last participated on county final day and how they deal with the excesses that accompany the appearance will be critical. Portumna have the edge in experience and on a raw afternoon that is usually beneficial.
Ultimately hurling in winter is notoriously tricky. Cool and frequently chilly conditions, as well as soft surfaces make the possibilities endless, and perhaps that is why Gort will venture into Salthill loaded with hope that a shock might occur.
