The Galway hurlers have often been referred to as one of the great underachievers. The fact that they have not brought the Liam McCarthy back across the Shannon since 1988 probably has something to do with this tag. Judging by the way they disposed of the Cork challenge in the National Hurling League final at Thurles last Sunday evening they highlighted the fact they mean business this year. The first half of this game was as good as I've seen for some time, it was as close a championship pace as you're likely to see.
The tone of the game was set in the first minute when Damian Hayes skinned Sean Óg O'hAlpín for Galway’s first goal. The Portumna livewire tormented O'hAlpín so much during the evening that he eventually was called ashore. They talk a lot about defence and offence in basketball - well last Sunday’s first half was certainly an offence dominated period and the stats prove it...26 scores in thirty-five minutes of action. Goals, points and the saves of the highest calibre from both sides made this match very entertaining to watch.
Denis Walsh, the Cork manager has been trying desperately hard to get Cork hurling back to the glory days with a much more direct style of play. The introduction of the twin towers O'hAlpín and Cussens have given supporters in all counties something to talk about this Spring. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance but Sunday’s game was always going to be the acid test ahead of the championship. The Cork supporters may have started the evening with dreams of a league/ championship double but by the time the full time whistle had sounded they were left with more questions than answers.
The game was still very much in the balance at half-time. Galway’s four-point lead at the break was mainly down to the brilliance of Joe Canning, but unlike last year it wasn't solely a one man show. The floodlights may have been turned on at Semple Stadium for the second half but it was only the Tribesmen that dazzled beneath them. The early exchanges that yielded points for both teams led us to believe that it will be the same tight contest as the first but suddenly Galway raised the tempo. They drove through the gears and Cork had no answer. Galway struck points from all angles to open up a seven-point gap. Setanta O'hAlpín may be on a hot streak down under for the Carlton Blues but his brother Aisake missed a glorious opportunity midway during the second half, he certainly doesn’t have the silky skills of his elder siblings. He is big and strong and will cause some defenders trouble but it’s going to be a case of hit and miss when the championship comes around. I suppose the same could be said for Michael Cussens, mind you he was slightly more productive last Sunday evening. Unfortunately for Cork the latter has broken a bone in his hand and will almost certainly miss the all important clash with Tipperary on May 30.
Galway will be delighted to add their first national title since '04 to the Walsh Cup they won earlier in the Spring. These two titles won't quench their hunger for All-Ireland glory but it will galvanise the county. Let’s be honest they often have more knockers from within their own county than outside. Why are Galway's fortunes changing? For one it’s coinciding with the emergence of the great Portumna team of the last few years, the whole county has self belief from that outfit. They are a far more balanced outfit this year with scores been contributed from all sectors - unlike last year when they depended way too much on big Joe. The fullback spot seems to be sorted for the moment at least, Shane Kavanagh gave a colossal display against Aisake, time will tell whether he can handle a speedy guy with a low centre of gravity as well. It will be some clash if Kilkenny and Galway meet in the Leinster final.
Cork must regroup and do it fast as it’s only three weeks until that crunch Munster championship clash with Tipp. Denis Walsh may have gone into last Sunday’s game calling the shots but by the time it was over I think the players were back doing it their way. Back was the short puckouts and the short passing game that the manager was trying to get rid of. It's very much a case of old habits die hard. This will be the last hurrah for some of the older stalwarts, they will give it a big shot but I think mileage has caught up.
Division 2 final
The Division 2 final between Wexford and Clare was simply awful stuff. Have these two proud hurling counties taken another step backwards? Basic skills like first touch and shooting were very poor, at one stage during the second half it looked like neither side wanted to win the game. Wexford deservedly went on to win and this will definitely benefit them for their return to division 1 next season.
Kilkenny minors
The Kilkenny minors had far too much in their locker for a poor Dublin side last Sunday. A magnificent defensive display was the catalyst for victory on this occasion. Like the start of any minor campaign there was good and bad elements in Kilkenny's victory. As already stated the backs were magnificent, the fullback line of Jason Corcoran, Willie Phelan and the hugely impressive Padraig Walsh were rarely beaten for a ball. The halfback line was solid but further up the field only Ger Aylward will be happy with his display. The Boro duo of Ollie Walsh and Cillian Buckley drifted in and out of the game. I may be hard on the latter pair but I know they have a lot more left in the tank. Usually it takes a while to get minors to gel together especially when it come to the forward line. The manager Richard Mulrooney will be working away over the coming weeks to iron out one or two little problems - I'm sure shooting and hard graft in the forward line will be high on the agenda.
I was surprised to see Padraig Walsh named at No 4 as I always considered him a forward but having seen him performing there on Saturday I can understand why he was given that position. The only problem I think is he could be needed in the forwards before the year is out.
