Tipperary manager Liam Kearns.
Sunday July 31
All Ireland SFC Quarter-Final
Galway v Tipperary, Croke Park, 4pm
By Cian O'Connell
While others worried and wondered, Kevin Walsh and the Galway footballers remained cool. Two defeats in 14 games in 2016 confirms the progress being made.
Consistency was what Walsh craved; the fact that it has been achieved is an encouraging sign.
Now, though, Galway want an All Ireland semi-final place. It is a mission that can be accomplished, but Tipperary will enter Croke Park on Sunday with similar ambitions too.
That is why this match carries intrigue. During the week many pundits have recalled the 4-17 to 4-12 qualifier clash in 2014 involving the counties also.
Shane Walsh's point for the ages is still fondly recalled, but for those who saw him during his St Jarlath's days it was merely another to add to an outrageous collection.
A gripping Hogan Cup semi-final on the edge of Limerick city against Colaiste Chriost Ri was an a particularly remarkable afternoon.
Walsh is now operating on the grandest stage of them all in a maroon team quickly gaining hope and momentum.
Kevin Walsh and Gary Sice pictured at Elverys MacHale Park.
Gary Sice's left peg, Danny Cummins' eye for goal, and the breadth of Damien Comer's game mean Galway will bring an interesting attacking unit to GAA headquarters.
At centrefield Tom Flynn and Paul Conroy have forged a successful partnership in front of a defence that was sprinkled with Championship rookies only two months ago.
Walsh's faith has been rewarded because goalkeeper Bernard Power, Eoghan Kerin, David Wynne, and Declan Kyne have adapted impressively.
Tipp will certainly pose questions, especially if the match moves along at the same clip as their win over Derry did.
The Kingspan Breffni Park encounter dripped with smart football with Conor Sweeney and Michael Quinlivan prominent.
Kevin O'Halloran's emergence is noteworthy, while the dashing Philip Austin remains an influential figure.
In defence Ciaran McDonald and Robbie Kiely, who have both seen Sigerson Cup action for NUIG, will know what Galway can achieve if the mood strikes.
How Liam Kearns and Walsh have maintained decent confidence levels within both panels is a testament to their sensible sideline approach.
The journey will continue for one of them after what promises to be a lively 70 minutes.
