Preview: Allianz Hurling League Division 1B
Big game in Pearse Stadium on Sunday as Galway host Wexford in Division IB of the Allianz Hurling Leagues as both sides go in search of their second victory of the league - ahead of the game, Wexford manager Davy Fitzgerald talks to GAA.ie about his realistic hopes for Wexford in the 2017 Allianz Leagues and his belief that it will take time for his side to reach the heights that Galway are currently at. Juveniles (Under 16 Years of Age) are FREE admission for the game, while adult tickets are €12.00 if purchased before matchday.
Match-Day Prices are Adult €15.00, while concessions (Student/OAP) are €12.00 and available at the venue on matchday with valid I.D.
Tickets are available for purchase in selected SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide; full details of which shops apply can be found at http://www.gaa.ie/tickets/where-to-buy/
Allianz Hurling League Division 1B
Saturday February 18
Laois v Offaly, O'Moore Park, eir Sport 7pm
Disappointing opening game defeats mean this derby in Portlaoise will be hotly contested.
Laois, who had started so well in the first half in Tralee against Kerry, were left reflecting on the concession of three goals.
Offaly were blitzed by a Jason Flynn and Conor Cooney inspired Galway, who struck six goals at O'Connor Park. It was a harrowing loss for the Faithful, but new manager Kevin Ryan has stressed the need to focus on long term targets.
“We are trying to focus on down the road," Ryan remarked following the Galway defeat.
"Any of our aims are two or three years away and that’s not good enough for some of the Offaly public, but that’s where it is. You can’t just turn something like that overnight.”
Eamonn Kelly, who was in charge of Offaly in 2016, is now the Laois manager and he wants a response following the Kerry setback. "We have Offaly coming next Saturday evening so we have to see what we can learn to turn it around.
"You can lick your wounds and hold your head down, but then you'll be beaten two days in a row."
Stephen Maher's precise free taking was a feature of Laois' display against Kerry, but they will need to be more ruthless on home turf.
LAOIS: Enda Rowland; Dwane Palmer, Leigh Bergin, Padraig Lawlor; Cahir Healy, Matthew Whelan, Ryan Mullaney; Patrick Purcell, Ben Conroy; Stephen Maher, Charles Dwyer, Paddy Whelan; Willie Dunphy, Neil Foyle, Ross King.
Sunday February 19
Galway v Wexford, Pearse Stadium, 2pm
One of the games of the weekend is scheduled for Salthill where Galway clash with Wexford.
Even though it is only the second match for in the competition for the respective teams it carries huge significance in the race for promotion to hurling's top flight.
Conor McDonald inspired Wexford to a hard earned win over Limerick - a result that ensures they'll be accompanied on the trip to the west with a huge travelling support.
Davy Fitzgerald worked hard in December and January with his new panel and Wexford are keen to make an impact in the Allianz Hurling League.
A victory over Limerick was exactly the type of start Wexford wanted, but they face a Galway outfit, who trounced Offaly.
Conor McDonald scored 1-8 for Wexford against Limerick.
“I know the scoreline is emphatic enough, but there are still areas, particularly in the second half that we would like to work on,” Galway boss Micheal Donoghue commented.
Jason Flynn's 2-10 haul in that triumph was encouraging as was the form of Conor Whelan and Conor Cooney.
Fitzgerald was satisfied with Wexford's spirited comeback against Limerick. "I'm delighted with the fighting qualities, we played well in patches, though we can do better than that," was Fitzgerald's verdict.
"Six points down at half-time, I knew about five minutes before we went back out on the pitch that the lads still believed. There was no panic as we played against an unbelievable wind in the first half.
"It's nice to beat one of the bigger teams. Still there is no harm in letting everyone not forget this is a process."
GALWAY: Colm Callanan; Matt Donoghue, John Hanbury, Paul Killeen; Gearoid McInerney, Adrian Tuohy, Aidan Harte; Johnny Coen, David Burke; Davy Glennon, Joseph Cooney, Paul Flaherty; Conor Whelan, Jason Flynn, Conor Cooney.
WEXFORD: Mark Fanning; Eoin Moore, Liam Ryan, James Breen; Simon Donohoe, Matthew O'Hanlon, Diarmuid O'Keefe; Shaun Murphy, Jack O'Connor; Aidan Nolan, David Redmond, Barry Carton; Conor McDonald, Lee Chin, Paul Morris.
Limerick v Kerry, Gaelic Grounds, 2pm
Contrasting fortunes for these two teams last Sunday. Limerick let a decent advantage slip against Wexford, while Kerry came thundering back with a flurry of goals to beat Laois.
Ultimately it means both camps will be completely aware of the relevance of the upcoming encounter. Remaining in Division 1B is Kerry's mission, but Limerick want to reach Division 1A.
Only victory will suffice for them in their remaining four group games. Even a string of wins mightn't be enough as they will have to rely on favourable results elsewhere.
“We have to go away to do our business. That means we go to play Kerry to try to beat Kerry next weekend," Kiely said following the Wexford reversal.
Padraig Boyle bagged two goals during Kerry's triumph over Laois, while Shane Nolan was another to impress.
Peter Casey and Graeme Mulcahy were prominent for Limerick against Wexford, but Kiely will want the full complement of spoils to be taken when Kerry visit the Gaelic Grounds.
LIMERICK: Nickie Quaid; Stephen Cahill, Richie McCarthy, Richie English; Colin Ryan, Seamus Hickey, Declan Hannon; John Fitzgibbon, James Ryan; Tom Morrissey, David Dempsey, Kyle Hayes; Ronan Lynch, Cian Lynch, Graeme Mulcahy.
KERRY: Aiden McCabe; Sean Weir, Rory Horgan, Bryan Murphy; Paud Costello, Patrick Kelly, Darren Dineen; Paudie O'Connor, Colum Harty; Jack Goulding, Mikey Boyle, Daniel Collins; Jordan Conway, Padraig Boyle, Shane Nolan.
