Clash with Carlow now of must-win variety for Galvin

SIX MONTHS ago, I wouldn’t think St. Joseph’s (Glenavy) in Antrim was a place Paul Galvin expected to play any part in his life on a Sunday afternoon in January. However, with his appointment as Wexford football manager he can expect to visit parts of the country that never appeared on his radar as an illustrious Kerry footballer.

The club pitch was the location of his debut as an inter-county manager in a proper national competition.

An away victory in Division 4 is always hard to achieve, and so it proved as Wexford failed to get off to the winning start they were hoping for.

Any northern team is difficult to beat at home, but the concession of three goals at crucial stages of the game proved very costly in the end.

With the number of changes in the team and the introduction of new players and a new system, it was always a very tough ask, but ultimately it was one of the encounters Paul Galvin had targeted to win.

Despite the disappointment, he will take some satisfaction from the fighting spirit shown by the players, something he will have instilled from day one.

Next Saturday’s home game against Carlow has now become a must-win game, as our near neighbours already have two points, so it will be a good test for the players to see how they react to the pressure and expectation.

Last Sunday week after the All Ireland Club football final, I was reading the obituaries for football after a horrendous game that tested the loyalty of the staunchest football supporter.

I was considering wearing a black armband for the any of the games I attend over the next few months as a mark of respect to the great old game we once knew, before some people in the G.A.A. get their way and banish the game altogether.

Thankfully the start of the Allianz League has restored my faith in football as an entertaining and enjoyable spectacle.

On Saturday evening in Croke Park, Dublin and Kerry served up a cracker that had everything you could ask for in a game.

Tough tackling, physicality, great scores from play, speed, athleticism and, of course, the customary G.A.A. shemozzle just to show the lack of love between both counties, all combined to thoroughly entertain a massive crowd of 42,500.

A first round league game in Dublin had more patrons in the stadium than most main sporting events around Europe over the weekend, not bad for a game on its knees.

In general, most games were reported as being entertaining, which is what you want as a paying customer.

7,500 supporters in Galway and 9,000 in Donegal certainly did not complain, so hopefully the style of play evident over the weekend will continue for the league and championship.

Unlikely I know, but I am an optimist and I always say, give the people something to enjoy and cheer about and they will support the game in its droves.

Wexford hurling is a prime example of that as will be evident from the attendance at the Clare game next Sunday.

A massive congratulations to the Rathgarogue-Cushinstown club on their amazing performances this year.

Things did not go well on Saturday but that cannot take away from the outstanding year they had.

Along with defeating more favoured teams in the Wexford championship, they beat the champions of Kilkenny, Dublin, Offaly, Meath and Monaghan on their memorable run.

They have created some unbelievable memories for their club, supporters and parish along the way, and created a bond amongst themselves that will bode well for the future.

They should be very proud of their achievements.