Kilkenny reclaimed the Walsh Cup last Sunday after edging out Galway in extra time in a thrilling encounter in Pairc Lactain, Freshford. It may have only been the first Sunday in February but if this game is anything to go by we're in for some cracking action this year. On a bitterly cold afternoon around three thousands souls braved the elements and got full value for their €10 admission fee.
Both managers were forced to field below strength teams due to injuries and club commitments. Galway fielded without their Portumna players and Kilkenny without the Shamrocks men, so one could say teams were well balanced on that score. This game was viewed as a dress rehearsal for next Sunday’s opening national league game so players from both counties were out to impress their respective team management. All looking for that all important nod of approval for next weekend.
Galway made good use of the strong breeze in the first half, they were solid at the back against a lightweight Kilkenny forward line that were in desperate need of a target man. The Tribesmen got a bit of good fortune when Ger Farragher's long range free dipped under the bar in the sixth minute. Kilkenny keeper David Herity seemed to get his calls wrong with fullback Brian Hogan — it was a classic case of not having played together for long. Both teams depended very much on their freetakers for scores. It wasn't a dirty match by any means but a lot of infringements took place and when they did Galway's Ger Farragher and Kilkenny's Richie Power were unerring from dead ball positions, both players ended the afternoon with 1-11 each. It's great scoring for anytime of the year. Despite the big scoreline 2-17 to 1-18 both sets of defenders had the measure of their opponents. This is not unusual for this time of the year as the dead ground conditions favours the defenders (easy knowing I was a forward ). John Dalton and James Ryall excelled under the pressure and it was obvious that both these guys are anxious to get more game time with a view to holding onto their spots and with Messrs Kavanagh and Hickey still to return every game is vital. Galway had built up a lead of 1-10 to four points as the interval approached but two late frees by Power reduced the arrears to seven points at the interval.
Seven points looked a good cushion to take into the new half and it was soon extended to eight when the impressive newcomer Cyril Donnellan fired over his second score early in the new half. Of all the Galway newcomers Donnellan was the one I was most impressed with. He is a big strong centreforward who loves to drive at the heart of the defence. He gained many frees throughout the 90 minutes and he's a guy who doesn't mind a bit of hardship. In fairness to the Kilkenny players they responded, realising the game was slipping away, they upped the tempo and driven on by the inspirational Tommy Walsh they had reduced the deficit to three points after thirteen minutes. First Richie Power blasted a penalty to the net and then moments later Michael Rice tapped into a empty net after Galway keeper Eric Ward failed to hold Tommy Walsh's long delivery. Walsh's approach to that goal was worth the admission fee alone — the six time All-star danced and weaved his way through five Galway players before striking; this inspired his comrades to up the anti. John McIntyre the new Galway manager who was standing on the sideline seemed to give a quick shake of the head as to say how did he do that. Tommy was on fire at this stage and he left two points between the sides with another bit of magic. The game was all square when Kilkenny newcomer Michael Grace fired over with nine minutes remaining. At this stage the odds were firmly stacked in Kilkenny’s favour but Galway regained their composure to send to extra time. Despite the Arctic conditions both sets of supporters were happy to see this game extended. Eddie Brennan who was having a quiet game until this point got in on the act with two well taken points early in extra time. After that it became a duel between the two freetakers Power and Farragher, as fouls became more frequent as fatigue set in. Both players added to their tally’s but when referee Barry Kelly blew for full-time Galway had come up short by two points. It may only be February but Kilkenny were laying down a marker and in doing so deprived the Tribesmen of their first bit of Leinster silverware. JJ Delaney had the honour of captaining the Cats in the absence of Shamrocks defender Michael Fennelly.
Two items of note from last Sunday:
Every one of the Galway men stood six foot plus, some of them in my opinion lacked a bit in the finesse department - if you catch my drift. The way I see it is that these lads might work this time of year but when the ground dries out a lot more emphasis will be on speed. I'm sure John McIntyre will realise this as well, if not it could be another barren year in terms of winning All-Irelands.
Another strange fact and major talking point in the stand was that the Kilkenny management team elected to use none of the subs in the 90 minutes of action, and it wasn’t as if the full starting line hurled well.
Kilkenny's team for next Sunday will probably be along the same lines. Martin Comerford and Michael Kavanagh should also be back in contention but whether or not they will start is anyone's guess. Comerfords’ aerial presence would certainly be welcomed. Galway will not want to be beaten on their own home patch so another good battle is in store for part two next Sunday.
Kilkenny Vs Galway- Verdict: Kilkenny.
Limerick Vs Clare -Verdict: Clare.
Waterford Vs Tipperary - Verdict: Waterford.
Cork Vs Dublin- Verdict: Dublin.
Big game for Cork and Ger McCarthy in particular. If Cork win the heat will be off McCarthy for at least another game. Lose and the public will soon turn against him. By all accounts things didn't go well for them in a challenge match against Portumna last weekend.
