Donoghue’s very happy with his youthful Tribe
GALWAY manager Micheal Donoghue says the 2017 All-Ireland champions have developed impressive squad depth as they prepare for the latter stages of the League. Joe Canning scored 0-8 as Galway recovered from their shock draw with Carlow to register an impressive win over Dublin at Pearse Stadium. Galway played with the breeze in the first half and some wonderful free-flowing hurling helped set up a 0-13 to 1-4 half-time lead. Danny Sutcliffe scored a goal for Dublin to keep them in touch at the break but were always playing catch-up. Kevin Hussey was outstanding at wing back for Galway while midfielder Sean Loftus and forward Sean Bleahene also gave quality displays. ‘We blooded a lot of young fellas. They are getting experience. Hopefully in the long run that will stand us in good stead,’ said Donoghue. ‘There are big games coming down the track, and if we get into a quarter-final, you want to more consistency but I’m happy with the performance.’ Galway had drawn 0-20 to 0-20 at Dr Cullen Park last time out but quickly took control here. Canning fired three frees with Bleahene also on target as the home side raced into a 0-4 to 0-0 lead after eight minutes. John Hetherton hit back and Dublin’s goal arrived in the 15th minute when Sutcliffe tapped home from close range. That left the minimum between the sides but Galway reeled off the next five points and, when Conor Whelan scored, they were 0-10 to 1-1 in front. The scoring onslaught continued and Jason Flynn scored Galway’s final point of the half before Eamonn Dillon reduced the arrears. Dublin had the wind in the second half but they couldn’t make it pay. Substitute Donal Burke and David Treacy made an impact on the scoreboard but Galway’s experience told. Donoghue expects to have the services of Johnny Glynn for the championship while he wants to speak to Australian-based Joseph Cooney. ‘He is just away in Australia so, we are just keeping tabs on him, similar to the rest of the lads,’ said Donoghue. ‘We will have a conversation in the next few weeks with him.” And after Dublin’s first loss of the campaign their manager Mattie Kenny was quick to distance himself from any possible move to bring in Diarmuid Connolly. ‘I haven’t spoken to Diarmuid. I’m quite happy with the squad I have at the moment. We’ve a lot of quality in our squad.’