LEINSTER SHC SEMI-FINAL REPLAY Galway v OffalyVenue Portlaoise Throw-in 7pm
HURLING CAN be very predictable. Especially this weather. Galway assured us with their National League displays they would make a genuine attempt to challenge Kilkenny in the Leinster championship and beyond.
Sure, Offaly are also-rans at best these days. The swashbuckling, chain-smoking men of the revolution years only visible in the mind’s eye. Then they do this.
It was good to see Joe Dooley jump for joy again, after all these years, in Croke Park last Sunday. The manager was also a proud father as Shane Dooley matched the accuracy of Galway assassins Ger Farragher and Joe Canning.
Galway should regroup, study their defensive faults and come back with enough controlled fury to put Offaly into the qualifiers by around 8.30pm tonight.
There are problems in both camps with Dooley Snr and John McIntyre holding off announcing teams due to injury and disciplinary problems. Derek Molloy is almost certainly out after sustaining a knee injury that saw Daniel Currams come into the fray at half-time last weekend. On 46 minutes Currams mistimed his shoulder on David Burke, resulting in a straight red card from Tipperary official Johnny Ryan. Currams contested the automatic four-week suspension in front of the Central Hearings Committee last night.
Joe Canning damaged his hand but there was no fracture and the bruising should be mended by this evening, while it is hoped elder brother Ollie can recover from a hamstring twinge and, a third Portumna man, Damien Hayes, is waiting for his knee to come right.
Aidan Harte’s troublesome hip leaves him sidelined and David Collins is a concern with a calf strain. The line-ups will become apparent when they run out this evening.
In the last episode: Last Sunday Offaly's Shane Dooley ensured a 3-16 to 2-19 tie at HQ with his seventh free of the afternoon.
You bet: Offaly to be leading at half-time but Galway by the finish? 7 to 1 in Boylesports.
On your marks: Offaly's reaction to Daniel Currams red card told us about their spirit. Dooley's equaliser showed their composure. The spirit and composure of Galway comes next.
Gaining ground: O'Moore Park is situated on the edge of Portlaoise, along the N80 or Abbeyleix road to the locals. The capacity is 27,000. A full house is unlikely but should be a healthy five-figure attendance.
Just the ticket: Stand is €25, terrace €15. Children are €5 and €3. The press pass gets you in for free but we are, in fairness, working.
Crystal gazing: Galway to quel the Offaly revolt but the Faithful can build for what comes next.
