The serious stuff starts for Galway in clash with Mayo
Published:
-
-
Author: Darren Kelly
~ 3 minutes read
From this week's Galway City Tribune
By Darren Kelly
EVEN though it’s their third game of the year, the 2023 season really kicks off for Galway’s senior footballers on Saturday at MacHale Park, Castlebar (7:30pm) when they begin their National League campaign under lights against rivals Mayo.
It comes just two weeks after the Green and Red scored a semi-final victory over the Tribesmen (2-18 to 3-12) on their way to a first FBD League title since 2012. But the stakes will be much higher for this one.
First, Galway are back in the top flight after earning promotion along with Roscommon last year, and will be determined to stay among the league’s elite.
But with a new-look championship coming up in April, including a round-robin All-Ireland series, league positions will be vital for seeding for any team not claiming their provincial title (Galway will meet Mayo in the Connacht semi-final, if the latter overcome Roscommon).
“It has been the plum draw for us,” stated Galway manager Padraic Joyce during the week. “The one we focused on since we went back training in November. It’s going to be a big occasion, big crowd expected and it’s a battle we’re looking forward to.”
It’s six months since Galway went down to Kerry in the All-Ireland Final but Joyce will hope to have most of his contingent available. Liam Silke is abroad while Kieran Molloy (cruciate) is back in rehab but any return for him won’t happen before the championship. Shane Walsh definitely won’t be involved due to a long club season with Dublin’s Kilmacud Crokes.
Also, the Galway management have up to 15 players currently involved in the Sigerson Cup. For example, Galway captain Seán Kelly is back in the panel after Maigh Cuilinn’s club campaign brought them to an All-Ireland semi-final. But that doesn’t mean he’ll line out on Saturday night.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App
Download the Connacht Tribune Digital Edition App to access to Galway’s best-selling newspaper.
Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
Or purchase the Digital Edition for PC, Mac or Laptop from Pagesuite HERE.
Get the Connacht Tribune Live app
The Connacht Tribune Live app is the home of everything that is happening in Galway City and county. It’s completely FREE and features all the latest news, sport and information on what’s on in your area. Click HERE to download it for iPhone and iPad from Apple’s App Store, or HERE to get the Android Version from Google Play.
More like this:
Bishop Michael Duignan leads tributes following news of the death of Pope Francis
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMBishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora and Bisho...
Galway hosts Ireland’s first ever schools’ Rubik’s Cube contest
Teams from Galway City and Claregalway squared up against each other as the city played host to I...
Galway ex-pats enjoy annual Bacon and Cabbage Night in heart of London
Traditional fare was again to the fore as members of the Galway Association London held their ann...
Business Energy Upgrades Scheme upgrades welcome
The official launch of the Business Energy Upgrades Scheme has been warmly welcomed by Galway Eas...
Hundreds of teachers expected in city for INTO convention
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMHundreds of teachers from across the country are expe...
Easter Monday charity run/walk along the prom in aid of multiple sclerosis
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMA 6.5km run/walk along the Salthill prom will take pl...
Local TD demands immediate action on ED mental healthcare report
This article first appeared on Galway Bay FMThe Government must take immediate action on this wee...
Digital Games Portfolio funding to strengthen Galway as centre of Irish games industry
Galway has been strengthened as a central hub for innovation in Ireland’s games industry – and ta...
Building those barriers to help crack down on crime
Ex-Garda Sergeant and Crime Prevention Officer, Michael Walsh – now a security consultant with hi...