NUIG and Galway captain Damien Comer.
By Cian O’Connell
Expectations are being raised in Galway which is no harm at all according to Damien Comer.
The talented Annaghdown clubman captains Galway and NUIG in 2018, and the signs in the early weeks of the year are encouraging.
Three Allianz Football League Division One wins have been carved out, while NUIG’s first appearance in an Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup Final since 2003 on Saturday against UCD at Santry Avenue adds another layer of optimism.
“It's the first year there's actually been a very strong backbone of the NUIG team involved with Galway,” Comer says.
“I think there's seven or eight panelists on the Galway squad, there's an awful lot more from different counties and there's a bigger spread.”
Sean Kelly and Peter Cooke, Connacht Under 21 winners with the Tribesmen in 2017, are now established figures for college and county under Maurice Sheridan (NUIG) and Kevin Walsh (Galway).
“I suppose it helps as you're playing with the lads a bit more and you know how they play and where they're looking to kick pass and stuff,” Comer remarks. “You respond by playing with them.
“From the opening three games the lads have started in all three of them and had very good games. That's definitely stood and confidence wise it builds them up to be very good players with NUIG so hopefully they can continue their form on into Saturday.”
Damien Comer is a key player for NUIG.
A star studded UCD outfit, managed by Galway All Ireland winner John Divilly, carry a potent threat especially with Con O’Callaghan available for selection.
“Obviously Con has shown what he can do in club and county level so he's a man that needs watching and we need to keep an eye on him,” Comer admits.
“But they've got other very good players as well as Con, so we can't be paying too much attention to Con because if we do other lads will get under the radar and probably come up with the goods.
“Conor McCarthy from Monaghan got man of the match there the last day at centre-forward so he's another player we have to watch.
“Their midfielders are very good and all around they've got serious footballers and a very strong bench to come on as well which is very important at Sigerson level.”
Comer also acknowledges that the return of Sligo captain Kevin McDonnell following serious injury is another positive development for NUIG.
McDonnell featured in Wednesday’s win at the penultimate stage over DIT pleased Comer. “Kevin Mc is a huge player for us,” Comer states.
“It was great to see. He's minding himself well with his rehab. It's great to see him back now. I think this is his last chance at a Sigerson.
“He's not going to want to miss out on that. Hopefully he can keep on the pitch for longer because he's a great addition for us and obviously captain of Sligo as well, he's going to be a great addition for them. I’m delighted to see him back.”
