By Darren Kelly

Following two wins from three outings during the midway section of this year’s National Football League programme, Galway’ Division One status is much more secure as they prepare to welcome All-Ireland champions Dublin to Pearse Stadium in Round 6 this Saturday (3.15pm).

Of course, five points is no guarantee of survival, but wins over Tyrone and Monaghan, either side of a disappointing defeat to Derry, wasn’t a bad innings from their battles with the Ulster contingent.

It doesn’t get any easier as All-Ireland finalists Kerry are coming up just eight days later, and Galway are at a crossroads. Two wins could see them in a league final; two defeats could find them falling from their current fifth position; but one positive result might just be ideal.

What is certain is that if Galway lose to Dublin, there will be no Spring appearance in Croke Park.  Only one point separates them, but the Blues hold second spot and have been on a good run since losing their first two contests to Monaghan and Mayo.

Dessie Farrell’s crew defeated Roscommon (1-19 to 1-12) before two statement victories: they romped past Kerry in Round 4 by 3-18 to 1-14, before controlling unbeaten Derry (1-16 to 1-11) two weeks ago.

Players like Ciaran Kilkenny and Con O’Callaghan have started expressing themselves again, sharing 3-26 over five outings. Cormac Costello, who didn’t start the last day, has also chipped in with 2-8.

Dublin have used 28 different players with 20 finding the target, and they have been operating with usually just eight starters from last year’s All-Ireland success.

David O’Hanlon has minded the sticks, but still lacks that clean sheet to deny another Stephen Cluxton glorious return in the Summer; while Eoin Murchan, Brian Howard, John Small and Lee Gannon ensure the defence maintains a familiar look.

Seán McMahon and Cian Murphy have been consistent starters on the right flank; and Brian Fenton stays in midfield with Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne his recent partner though James McCarthy did make a cameo appearance in Round 1.

Pictured: Cein Darcy has made a strong case for deeper involvement in Galway’s All-Ireland championsihp campaign. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.