A real sense of anticipation surrounds Sunday's Allianz NHL opener between Galway and Kilkenny at Pearse Stadium (2.30pm ) where the two sides meet for the second time in a week.
A month's training, allied to three competitive Walsh Cup matches, ensures the teams are prepared, and another battle is expected when Kilkenny roll into Salthill.
Last weekend's Walsh decider in Freshford went the distance with Kilkenny prevailing after extra time by 2-17 to 1-18
Though defeated, Galway will have taken plenty of encouragement having been so competitive, and the maroons feel that Kilkenny's scalp can be taken.
Victories over Offaly and Wexford were eked out impressively, and Kilkenny was always going to be a step up in class. Still Galway traded blows admirably before eventually succumbing in the closing stages.
There were causes for Galwegian optimism. Damien McClearn and Ciaran O'Donovan showed well in a defence that was tested by a crafty Cats attack. Fergal Healy and Richie Murray have the ability to form an adequate midfield partnership, while Ger Farragher continues to clip the frees with assurance.
Division one of the NHL is sprinkled with competent outfits so Galway will face a string of demanding assignments. Inevitably the Kilkenny date will be viewed with particular interest to see how a remodelled Galway can deal with the Cats. Stitching a settled team together is a tough task as college and club commitments have deprived John McIntyre, John Hardiman, Joe Connolly, and John Moylan the opportunity to choose a full strength XV so far, and with the Portumna crew marked absent for another month, that will be the case once more.
The absence of the Cannings robs Galway of talent at both ends of the field, while Damien Hayes' pace usually creates trouble for opponents. Kilkenny, too, must plan without Noel Hickey, Derek Lyng, and Eoin Larkin, as well as the highly regarded Ballyhale Shamrocks contingent that includes James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick and Henry Shefflin.
Kilkenny are bolstered somewhat by the impending return of Michael Kavanagh and Martin Comerford, who could feature against Galway.
The depth in Brian Cody's panel is well documented, and McIntyre knows that another stiff encounter is scheduled.
"Knowing Kilkenny, they're going to be getting stronger as the year evolves and they'll be anxious not to take a step back down in Salthill. Kilkenny showed us first-hand why they're All-Ireland champions. They still had the hunger to dig in when they looked to be in trouble early in the second half.
"I think genuinely we're going to be really up against it in Pearse Stadium. Although there should be a good crowd, home advantage won't make any difference."
McIntyre is impressed by the way some of the panel's newcomers confronted Kilkenny in Freshford. "They didn't appear to be intimidated or overawed by the colour of the jersey they were playing against and that's another positive. We are not going to find out about these players unless they're in there against the best."
Kilkenny's pedigree and lust for success is unquestionable, and they travel west intent on reaffirming their status as the dominant force in the game. There is no doubt Galway have potential, and delivering in the championship is the mission. A couple of feisty league displays are necessary, and that is precisely what Galway are targeting.
