In light of the events that unfolded on Thursday it is difficult to preview Sunday’s trip to Pearse Stadium without a degree of pessimism. As an atmosphere of uncertainty and confusion surrounds the camp, a fourth consecutive defeat will be difficult to avoid.
Ken McGrath has stepped into the breach after Nicky Cashin’s resignation but it would be asking too much for the three time All Star to make an immediate impact given the trying circumstances. The absence of a concrete statement from Nicky Cashin leaves a void of information and messy situation for all concerned. A dark cloud now hangs over the set-up and who knows the twists and turns that are yet to unfold should results continue on their current path. Now the players somehow have to pick up the pieces after another week of negativity and tackle a confident Galway outfit on their home patch. A tall order.
Galway can mix the sublime with the erratic but carry that vital ingredient of momentum after their last gasp victory over Cork. They shot wildly in the first half and trailed by eight at one stage but managed to turn it around on the resumption with two goals. One of those was a delightful ground stroke from Niall Burke, who has graduated seamlessly to senior level under Anthony Cunningham’s direction. Pa Cronin, Richie Power and Noel McGrath have all caused trouble from centre forward in Waterford’s league campaign to date and that trend must be reversed on Sunday to stop the in form Burke. Cunningham put his stamp on matters early doors by disposing of a number of well known names that had been part of Galway’s recent high profile failures in crunch championship games. With the likes of Burke, Barry Daly, Conor Cooney and Ger O’Halloran filling the breach and showing encouraging signs against Dublin, Tipperary and Cork the new broom appears to be doing no harm.
For Waterford, the much heralded return of John Mullane and Eoin Kelly to training during the week has been negated by other off the field events but it will still be interesting to see if one or both start their first competitive game of 2012. Their comebacks alone won’t reverse the downward slide unless many basic facets of play are improved upon. As a starting point the intensity levels need to be much higher than those witnessed in Thurles. From a defensive point of view, Galway can’t be afforded the same latitude that the Tipperary forwards were because Damien Hayes and company need no second invitation. A return of 2-15 was an improvement on previous games but ball winning issues linger in the half forward line. Seamus Prendergast or Maurice Shanahan look like the most obvious candidates for the troublesome number 11 shirt in the short term. In terms of other selection debates, Stephen O’Keeffe should receive another vote of confidence while Aidan Kearney and David O’Sullivan may come back into the reckoning in defence.
Morale already appeared dented before developments this week so spirits cannot be sky high heading into this game. Pride is at stake for these players however and Waterford should definitely be a lot more competitive and forceful this week but it is too much to expect an away win. The greater momentum and confidence is with the home side and that should see them through Sunday’s clash.
National Hurling League Division 1A
Galway v Waterford
Throw in 2.30 at Pearse Stadium
Referee: Anthony Stapleton
Betting:
Galway 1/8 Draw 14/1 Waterford 11/2
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