Galway 1-25

Dublin 2-22

YOU wouldn’t know what to make of this or, for that matter, the Galway hurlers after their dice with disaster against Dublin in the Leinster Championship at Croke Park on Sunday.

How can you feel a little disappointed that Galway didn’t end up winning given that they trailed by 12 points early in the second half, amassed 17 wides, missed a penalty and conceded two calamitous goals.

But these were the conflicting emotions of the dramatic rollercoaster the Tribesmen subjected their supporters to. They were shambolic in the opening half and only for Joseph Cooney’s immense contribution around midfield, the match would have been done and dusted at half-time.

A laboured and listless Galway were in danger of being wiped out. Dublin’s movement and pace had them in all kinds of trouble. Henry Shefflin’s team just didn’t seem to be tuned in, while the concession of two shocking goals summed up a forgettable opening 35 minutes.

And when Dublin stretched 2-18 to 0-12 in front within six minutes of the second half, Galway were staring down the barrel of one of their worst championship defeats ever. Apart from injured duo, Cathal Mannion and Brian Concannon, mitigation for such an inept display was in short supply.

With their backs really to the wall, Galway somehow found a spark to ignite an unlikely recovery. Backed by the strong wind was a help, so was their string of substitutions, while all over the field players in maroon jerseys began to realise the gravity of the situation.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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