By Darren Kelly

Just days after Taoiseach Micheál Martin came face-to-face with US President Donald Trump, Galway senior footballers return to action on St Patrick’s weekend, hoping to start a four-game run culminating with their trip to New York in April.

Padraic Joyce’s charges travel to Croke Park to take on Dublin on Saturday (7.30pm), just nine months on from their momentous All-Ireland quarter-final success against the then reigning champions last June – a first summer win over the Metropolitans in 90 years.

Their wait for a win in the league is not quite as long, and a league final appearance will be secured should they prevail against Dublin for the first time since 2010.

“It’s hard to believe its 15 years ago,” said Eoin Concannon who topped scored with 0-8 that day in a 1-14 to 0-14 victory in Parnell Park. “It doesn’t feel like it. The years go by fairly quick.”

With Kerry in Pearse Stadium next week, their potential next Croke Park visit would be the end of March, just days before they fly out for the opening game in the Connacht Championship.

Galway are unbeaten this year, although they were fully stretched in draws against Derry and Tyrone.  Shane Walsh’s late two-point free against the latter kept them top of Division 1, while they have beaten Armagh, Mayo and Donegal in a relatively successful campaign that has seen 29 players used.

New rule amendments are in play. Four defending players must stay back in their own half, making fly-goalkeepers a riskier venture. A red/black card won’t stop teams keeping three in attack; while a game won’t conclude until the ball goes dead after the hooter.

The goalkeeper rule will strengthen Connor Gleeson’s hand to start following two nods towards Conor Flaherty, but the Claregalway stopper did produce two saves against Tyrone while also contributing two points the previous day against Donegal.

Only Johnny McGrath and Seán Kelly have started all five fixtures, and it’s unlikely either will be rested. Dylan McHugh, Liam Silke, and Sean Fitzgerald are also likely starters, though Daniel O’Flaherty, Jack Glynn, Sean Mulkerrin and John Daly are also chomping at the bit.

John Maher will definitely play midfield alongside either Cian Hernon or footballer of the year, Paul Conroy. The latter will certainly be accommodated in the starting 15 and ended up at full-forward the last day.

“In fairness, Paul is a credit to himself,” added Concannon about his St James’ clubmate. “Me and Paul played football all the way up through our school years together.

“He just manages himself very well, and he just keeps himself fresh. He’s a credit to the club, all the kids. There’s a big sign in the club now, Footballer of the Year, and it’s just great to see. People see that driving past and it’s just nice to know that you’ve the best player in the country in your club.”

Shane Walsh (1-37) has thrived and leads an attack that includes Cillian McDaid and Robert Finnerty.  Cein D’Arcy and Matthew Tierney are also in the mix, while speculation continues about Damien Comer’s imminent return.

Pictured: Shane Walsh closes in on Tyrone goalkeeper Niall Morgan in Tuam, Stadium a fortnight ago – the Galway man has scored 1-37 so far in this year’s league campaign. Photo: Joe O’Shaughessy.