GALWAY
FORM
Been very professional in how they’ve come to this point. Waltzed through the League and with all respects to the Leinster Championship, were just doing enough to get through. And nearly got caught. A bit overconfident going into the drawn final against Kilkenny, I’d say the plan was to get through Leinster and pick it up from there. They look rock solid again after winning the All-Ireland for the first time in 28 years. Plenty left in the tank yet.
9/10 MOMENTUM
Helped by the Kilkenny replay. When questions were asked, they answered emphatically. Galway’s start, their hurling during that opening period, was unbelievable.
I was calling for change after the Leinster final and now there is huge competition. Jonathan Glynn was so good on Padraig Walsh and Jason Flynn looked lethal when he came on, bringing that amazing save from Eoin Murphy. Conor Cooney being left out shows the depth in quality.
9/10 STAR PLAYERS
Daithí Burke – he is their rock. Look at how he has been able to handle every type of player, whether it’s Walter Walsh at 6’4” or 6’5” or a runner like Billy Ryan. Seems to be able to close them all down, set the agenda.
The strength of the half-back line offers great support but he gives the whole team confidence – they know they are not going to concede goals.
David Burke’s (left) form mirrors the team. Playing well within himself, over the last two games against Kilkenny, he showed why he is so vital. He is always back looking for the pass off the likes of Gearóid McInerney and his delivery to his forwards is lightning fast. Nobody in the game can strike the ball as quick.
Cathal Mannion has shown us glimpses of his potential, on and off. Talent wise, he is an unbelievable hurler, so natural off left and right. With six points against Kilkenny, if he can hold that form, he is nearly unmarkable.
You could pick 10 Galway players at the moment, such is their star quality.
10/10 MANAGEMENT
I’m more and more impressed with Micheál Donoghue as time goes on.
He had to handle Johnny Glynn and Conor Cooney and Niall Burke not making the starting 15 and did it with the minimum of fuss. He has gone about managing expectation since the All-Ireland in a very measured way. If he was looking for a reaction after the drawn Kilkenny match, he got it. Doing the job his way. 10/10