Darren Morrissey excited about emerging Galway talent
Galway senior hurling captain Darren Morrissey pictured at the launch of the Leinster SHC. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Click here to listen to the full interview with Galway senior hurling captain Darren Morrissey.
By Cian O'Connell
With a new wave of talent emerging, these are encouraging times for Galway. A demanding Leinster SHC opener, though, beckons against the standard bearers in the province, Kilkenny, who head for Pearse Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
That promises to be a revealing encounter with Galway captain Darren Morrissey acknowledging that Micheál Donoghue's team are trying to reconnect with hurling supporters in the west. "It probably died off for a few years, we probably didn't have the greatest of followings, and fair enough, we weren't really succeeding in the things we were doing, but it's amazing what a few games and a few positive performances does," Morrissey responds.
"People are starting following the team a bit more. There is an awful lot of positivity, but we know we've Kilkenny coming, it is a different Kilkenny to what we played in the league. We need every single person to fill Pearse Stadium for us."
During the Allianz Hurling League, Galway's emerging players performed impressively. "It was a really positive league, we'd a few good performances, and we'd other performances where we weren't too happy that we didn't get over the line in the games," Morrissey reflects.
"We probably brought it down to the line in the Cork game, Limerick game, and the Tipp game, but just didn't see it through, so we've loads of learnings to take from that. We'd a good few weeks to iron out the things we needed to sort out. Hopefully we can bring that towards Championship."
Morrissey is adamant that the depth of the Galway panel has improved. "When you've younger lads coming in, they're really freshening it up," he says.
"Lads have to find another level when you've so many lads pushing, there is 38 lads now, and any of the 38 could be picked for the 15. It can only be a positive thing for a squad to have such competitiveness in training and putting your hand up for matches."
Donoghue and his management team continue to serve the Galway cause with admirable determination. "Obviously, they've been there and done that," Morrissey says.
"It's practically the same management team that won the All-Ireland in '17. We've to trust them and I think they're trusting us in the things we do. We weren't too happy with last year.
Ronan Hayes, Dublin, and Darren Morrissey, Galway, in Dioralyte Walsh Cup Final action earlier this year. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile
"Every year you go out, you want to win a Leinster and want to be contending for an All-Ireland, but that didn't happen last year or in years gone by. Hopefully, we can get off to a good start and build from there.
"I think as a Galway hurler and Galway supporters would probably be the same, we haven't achieved what we wanted to setting out in the last few years.
"We got to All-Irelands in '17 and '18, but things probably haven't happened the way we wanted in the last few years. Hopefully, we can right them wrongs this year."
Players with significant potential are being developed which is a source of encouragement. "You've the likes of Cillian Trayers, who has been in for the last two years, and Josh Ryan," Morrissey says.
"They're really starting to break into it now. Then, you've newer faces like Cian Daniels, he's really coming into his own, it's super that you've the likes of those lads pushing for places.
"Obviously, Jason (Rabbitte) and Aaron (Niland) are hurling with the U20s along with Sean Murphy.
"We probably have a younger age demographic than the last few years, but I think that can only be a positive things. The younger lads give us a great energy and you've to find another gear when the lads are pushing you."
Ensuring Galway operate in on big days at Croke Park is the mission Morrissey wants to accomplish. "It was our goal for the last few years and we've probably fallen short," Morrissey replies.
"When you set out every year you want to be winning whatever trophies you can get - the Walsh Cup, National Leagues, Leinster titles, and hopefully challenge for an All-Ireland. It is your goal every year - you want to go out to win trophies."
