Inside Track with John McIntyre

WELL, is anyone out there tempted to back Galway to pull off the All-Ireland hurling and football double for the first time ever? In nearly 43 years at the Tribune, the thought has never crossed my mind before until now.

Given that the hurlers have only won five All-Ireland senior titles and the footballers have captured the Sam Maguire Cup on just nine occasions, it is asking a bit much for the county’s two elite teams to finally click in the same year.

It’s only happened once before that the Galway hurlers and footballers have both reached the All-Ireland final in the same year. In 2001, Noel Lane’s troops came up short against Tipperary, but John O’Mahony’s charges delivered silverware against Meath.

For those of you tempted to splash the cash on the prospect of an historic double maroon triumph, odds of around 25/1 are being quoted, with Padraic Joyce’s team (around 4/1) rated to have the better chance of going all the way. Boylesports have the hurlers chalked up at 13/2 for ultimate glory.

All we can say for the moment is that both teams are still standing. The footballers have been the more impressive, without hitting top gear in their recent victories over Tyrone and Westmeath. Their bench is stronger, while there is a great mix of strength, quality, and athleticism in their squad.

Given that they were only four points short against Kerry in last year’s All-Ireland and that margin flattered Jack O’Connor’s team, Galway’s reputation as serious challengers is already proven. Cian Hernon, John Maher, Peter Cooke, and Ian Burke have increased their options since; Johnny McGrath has emerged as a tight and mobile corner-back; while most of their seasoned performers remain in good form.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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