A weekend where Cathal Mannion delivered a virtuoso performance for Galway. A weekend where the form guide was spot on in Corrigan Park and Nowlan Park. Hawkeye Sidekick reflects on a provincial championship lacking excitement or game time intensity.
Cathal Mannion inspires Galway
In my preview of this contest last week, the word ‘unconvincing’ was mentioned when reflecting on both sides.
It was an apt term to use given the sparse attendance in Salthill yesterday afternoon. The Galway general public’s imagination has not been captured by this team. The hope is that yesterday will change the narrative.
Galway’s work rate and intensity in the opening half secured the foundations for victory. Wexford were very disappointing. Let’s be honest. Wexford’s middle third cameo lacked the accuracy, precision, and drive. These elements are needed to win a game away from home.
The hosts were four points to the good at the break. Galway plundering turnover ball in the middle third at increasing frequency as the opening half progressed. Cathal Mannion is the leader of this year’s Galway side. His 0-17 tally including six sensational points from long range was fitting to win any game.
Galway’s defensive unit continues to be a work in progress. No Daithi Burke at full back. Two goals conceded which exposed Galway defensive pace issues. O’Donoghue and management will have duly noted the concessions. The closing exchanges were impressive. Linnane point and Cooney goal standout.
A home win is a banker next weekend with Antrim coming to Salthill. Six points should secure the top three. A crunch game with Dublin to close out the round robin series. A fixture which will decide who emerges as the challenger to Kilkenny’s Bob O’Keefe throne.
Wexford top three ambitions look derailed
A tough day in Salthill for Wexford. Some fleeting moments with the second half goals but Galway found ample space to respond with scores. Middle third cohesion issues in distribution the key theme for Wexford.
Lee Chin worked hard and provided the most resistance in an attack which lacked dominant performances.
Dunbar and Byrne goals were brief cameos. Rory O’Connor had flashes of brilliance. The potency in attack throughout was disappointing. This was more to do with the poor distribution from defensive positions.
Wexford need to focus on Offaly next weekend and deliver a quality performance. Top three berth aspirations need to be parked as this performance was a reality check. 2-6 from play is not winning many championship games. The Galway road trip hoodoo continues for Wexford.
Kilkenny stroll to victory
My blog preview last week of Kilkenny vs. Offaly feared for Offaly given the middle third unit advantages for the Cats. This prediction proved true as TJ Reid enjoyed his evening at Nowlan Park with 2-9.
Kilkenny have yet to be tested seriously in Leinster so far. You can argue that Antrim provided stiff resistance in round two. However, Kilkenny have won their first three games by an average of fifteen points.
The hope is that Dublin produce a performance next weekend against Kilkenny. Derek Lyng and management team would love that to happen to evaluate their side ahead of the All Ireland series. Yesterday was a stroll. 4-18 from play and Martin Keoghan in outstanding form are standout points.
Harsh lessons learned in Nowlan Park
For this team to succeed long-term, you are going to have tough results. Johnny Kelly and his team will use last night’s experience at Nowlan Park to learn. They played against an elite side.
In the opening half, Charlie Mitchell and Dan Bourke showed some flashes of brilliance. The middle third was under pressure and TJ Reid was given ample ball to do serious damage.
Oisin Kelly with a 2-1 salvo was a positive. There was a significant gap in strength, conditioning, and skill set between both sides though. Offaly turnovers in the middle third way too high and poor first touch contributed to Kilkenny scores.
The hope is that this result does not impact the side ahead of an exciting championship finale. Offaly need to throw off the shackles and deliver a performance next weekend to Wexford. The key fixture remains the final round robin fixture at home to Antrim. Liam McCarthy survival is paramount.
Dublin’s championship now begins
This fifteen point win at Corrigan Park was never in doubt. The Dublin middle third completely dominated. 3-16 from play. Chris Crummey with a man of the match performance from half-back.
No goals conceded was also pleasing for Dublin who impressed in their run game and long range shooting. Their ability to find Dublin attacking options in space impressive.
This win though should signal the end of the soft championship schedule for Dublin. A trip to Nowlan Park against Kilkenny will provide a form line to assess Dublin. Plenty to like about Dublin this year but this is a step up in class and pedigree. Donal Burke will be required. Sean Currie, Cian O’Sullivan and Brian Hayes need to continue their outstanding form.
Grim afternoon for Antrim
Eight points from play. 34 points conceded. A troubling performance for Antrim from start to finish. No James McNaughton for next weekend’s trip to Galway after a late red card.
Davy Fitzgerald and management look devoid of any ideas to revive this side. His post-game comments after this Dublin loss were ominous and looking for the exit door. Antrim have struggled in this round robin despite good moments against Kilkenny in round two.
Keelan Molloy was a big miss for Antrim. The squad depth chart for Antrim is stretched. You would be a brave man to back them to stay in the championship next season. The defensive lapses for yesterday’s goals were a summary of the season so far; repeatable mistakes and avoidable.
Davy Fitzgerald can test the depth chart next weekend in Salthill. Tullamore is the proverbial cup final for Antrim. It will be interesting to see if there is any kick back from Antrim for the rest of the campaign. The signs do not look good right now.