The Galway ladies senior footballers are looking to produce a shock when they face current All-Ireland champions Dublin in Birr on Saturday in round two of the qualifiers. Following their disappointing Connacht final defeat at the hands of Mayo last month, Gay O’Brien’s outfit are hoping to kickstart what has been a difficult year following their relegation from division dne of the national league.
But Monday evening’s draw summed up Galway’s luck as they were handed the toughest of tasks in the form of a Dublin side which also suffered league relegation last year but went on to All-Ireland glory – emphatically defeating Tyrone in the final at Croke Park.
Galway full forward Una Carroll, who suffered a serious ankle injury last year, had been back to her form of old in training. However the former All-Star was dealt a huge blow at training on Friday night as she suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon which will see the Corofin ace miss the remainder of the season. Wing back Caitriona Cormican is also doubtful with a hamstring problem that has plagued her all year, but O’Brien has no other fresh injury worries.
With a healthy mix of youth and experience, Galway are underdogs but must click on Saturday as they aim for their first All-Ireland since 2005. The match throws in at 4.15pm and will be televised live on TG4.
