Galway v Kilkenny

I took myself to Pearse Stadium this afternoon to watch Galway play Kilkenny in their re-scheduled National Hurling League tie.  The game was initially fixed for the 8th of February but bad weather in Kilkenny forced the GAA to postpone the match till today.

In early February there was some optimism in the West about Galway’s progress under their new manager John McIntyre.  A spirited showing in the Walsh Cup was promising.  However that optimism has well and truly dissipated following the heavy defeat to Dublin and today’s second comprehensive defeat to the Cats.  The final score of 1-20 to 0-12 was a fair reflection of the Kilkenny’s superiority (although it could have easily have been more - Richie Power had a penalty saved).  Galway’s forwards made little inroad into a Kilkenny defence where Brian Hogan led the way with a fine performance at number 6.  As this year’s League sees the top two teams contest the final, it means Galway’s interest in silverware is effectively over.

I know the league is a secondary competition and Galway are missing their Portumna contingent.  However, based on the poor quality performances to date, Galway will be fighting it out with Offaly, Wexford, Dublin and Antrim for second place in Leinster.  And none of those teams will fear the Westerners in the least.

Here is the team selection from the match programme:

Galway v Kilkenny team selection

Kilkenny did not line out as selected - Martin Comerford replaced TJ Reid at number 10 and PJ Delaney came in for Michael Fennelly in midfield.