1. Paul Conroy's display
The St James’ man had a powerful game last Sunday. He hit four lovely points from play, off both feet, and was the one Galway forward to really stand up and show bravery and leadership when it was required.
It is difficult to know where his best position is, as I don't think he has the natural pace for the inside line. Perhaps a roving role at wing-forward (supporting the midfield on kick-outs and being targeted with a few ), or centre-forward could be the best option. Either way, it was good to see him doing so well and hopefully those kind of displays become the norm for the 2007 All-Ireland winning captain.
Honourable mention too, to John Egan (St James ) who was very solid and composed in his first league game in goal.
2. Few injuries clearing up
It was good to see Gareth Bradshaw coming off the bench. He added some badly needed pace, power, and purpose to proceedings on his arrival and shot a very good point. The team needs him to become a genuinely dominant force and one of the drivers if they are to make progress. The Moycullen man has been around for a good few years now and he has the ability to be a real leader over the coming months.
Conor Doherty also came off the bench after a long term injury and the Tuam Stars man is another player who can have a big role to play in the season ahead. He is a very versatile player and it was good to see him back in action.
3. Bit of heart and guts shown in final quarter
It looked like Westmeath were going to push on and win the tie after Denis Cooroon shot them into a 1-9 to 0-10 lead going into the final quarter.
To their credit though, the Galway lads dug deep, gained a foothold in the game again, and hit 0-3 (two frees from Michael Martin and a Bradshaw point ) to go into a narrow lead. They could not hold onto that lead and had a few chances to win the tie, but at least they had knuckled down and fought back when things were looking bleak.
If they are going to make any progress in division two, or make some genuine headway in the Connacht championship, that fighting spirit and leadership will have to be in evidence every day they go out from now on.
