TRIBE STARS KNOW SQUAD WILL GROW

GALWAY midfielder Ciaran Duggan says they are stronger than last year as more fringe players break through to the side.

Galway claimed a hard fought 1-11 to 0-12 win over Mayo in a wind-swept Castlebar on Saturday.

It was a crucial win for Kevin Walsh’s side that moved them away from relegation trouble and towards a potential NFL Division 1 final with games to come against Roscommon and Tyrone.

But the Annaghdown midfielder knows the squad are brimming with talent even before his clubmate Damien

Comer, and the Corofin contingent return.

“It puts competition into the panel and it’s badly needed,” said Duggan (above). “Even when the lads come back now as well, it will be tough for them to make the team. You need that.”

Galway have won four NFL titles but not since 1981, and last year Dublin beat them 0-18 to 0-14 in the final at Croke Park.

But Duggan believes the shackles are off now after Galway battled, despite going down to 13 men for nine minutes, in their victory over rivals Mayo.

“Especially in the second half. With Tom Flynn going off as well, Peter Cooke stepped up to the challenge,” he said.

“There were balls there, Michael Daly got in under them, and Eamonn Brannigan, they worked hard under the breaking balls. That was crucial towards the end.

“It was good game management during the black cards. We tightened up and the lads just worked hard. The lads up front got the crucial scores as well.

“Any win against Mayo is brilliant. Especially in them conditions. We will move on now to the last two games. It probably takes a bit of pressure off but we have a chance to get into a final.”