LAND OF THE FREE

Tribesmen hold nerve in Sydney from 65s after coming from 14 behind against Cats

GALWAY manager Micheal Donoghue was already looking forward to another trip down under after his side staged a mammoth comeback to take the Wild Geese Trophy in Sydney.

Having trailed by 14 points at one stage in the first half and by eight at half-time, Galway snatched a draw thanks a late equalising goal from sub Joe Mooney before prevailing in the free-taking competition.

The turnaround was all the more impressive for the fact that Galway had talisman Joe Canning sent off on a straight red card for a high tackle on Enda Morrissey in the 54th minute.

The 30-year-old is unlikely to miss any action as a result of the dismissal as any suspension arising from this fixture would be time-based rather than match-based.

Two first half goals from Ger Aylward put Kilkenny in the driving seat though a goal from Niall Burke helped Galway pare the deficit back to a more manageable 2-15 to 1-10 at half-time.

Further goals in the second half from Cathal Mannion and Davy Glennon reduced it to the minimum and though Walter Walsh hit Kilkenny’s third, Mooney’s late strike forced the tie-breaker on frees, which was finished off by Shane Maloney and Burke.

“We were a bit disappointed with the performance in the first half,” said Donoghue (right).

“We had a good chat at half-time and the players took massive ownership in there.

“Obviously we were very mindful of where we were and the distance that we travelled. There’s a clear understanding in this group of the responsibility that goes with wearing this jersey. They spoke about that at half-time and came out and gave a great performance.

“But I think ultimately this whole week and today was just about promoting our game. In terms of the winning and losing, obviously we’re all very competitive and want to win it, but I think it was about promoting our game here in Australia and the reception and welcome we’ve gotten since we arrived has been overwhelming and humbling.

“We’re just delighted to be here and hopefully winning it means we can come back again.”

Disappointed Kilkenny manager Brian Cody reflected: “I suppose we put ourselves in a good position during the game but they came at us late and caught us.

“Then there wasn’t a replay or extra-time, there was a free-taking competition. That can go whatever way it goes and it went their way today.

“They [Kilkenny players] have spent some time together and have a few more days now to enjoy Sydney. And also the competitive aspect of the game will stand to them. In a few weeks now we’ll get back into training.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be very, very challenging obviously but I think that’s a good thing.”