Kevin Walsh encouraged by Galway progress
Thursday 2 May 2019 09:59, UK
Galway boss Kevin Walsh feels his side are moving in the right direction, ahead of the Tribesmen's bid to defend their Connacht title.
The Westerners made real progress in 2018, scooping provincial honours and reaching the All-Ireland semi-final. After years of flattering to deceive on the big occasions, they're finally achieving consistency. The manager feels their solid springtime campaign showed just how far they have progressed.
"If we were sitting here two years ago, that was one word that stood out at the time, 'consistency'," noted Walsh.
"In Division One, depth of panel would be something we have looked at. That's a positive from the league, the fact that with the club commitments and the long-term injuries that we were quite comfortable in Division One, so that was nice to see.
"Long term again you would like to have a situation that the team can work even when there are fellas missing. To a certain extent that happened in Division One which was good."
Walsh is confident that his side aren't far off the required standard, as Dublin continue to lead the way. The Connacht champions met the Sky Blues in last year's All-Ireland semi-final, with the Dubs running out winners, 1-24 to 2-12.
However, the Tribesmen did pose questions in the early stages.
"We had ample opportunities to be five or six up at half time," reflected Walsh. "It wasn't a lack of performance, it was a lack of shooting [accuracy].
"Going to Croke Park, in Dublin's home patch isn't easy. Especially when 80,000 people are there with the full Hill [16] blue. That's something that every team will have to get over this year.
"They are a team with huge experience. On their home pitch it's worth a few points so it's going to be [difficult]."
Galway will be looking to take the next step as they welcome eight Corofin players into their squad. However, due to their limited time within the inter-county set-up, Walsh conceded they may be at a disadvantage in the battle for starting berths.
"It takes time to step forward and understand your role, and even your form, that's life," he explained. "Eight is a huge number. You are not going to have eight on it, but if someone is in form they will play."
Corofin employed a swashbuckling, attractive style of play throughout their run to the All-Ireland, which has been contrasted with Galway's system.
Walsh, however, remains undeterred:
"I have to move away from that (criticism) because it doesn't matter really. I think most of that comes from a few empty vessels, and empty vessels make the most noise.
"We have to be very careful that we get the best out of our team and it's quite obvious that all of the top teams are very similar to ourselves. We can't change anyone's opinion. I suppose it's all about balance, it's very easy to say things but if everything was balanced we would say we are very similar to most of the top teams."
Nonetheless, talk of Super 8s and stopping Dublin is premature. The Tribesmen get their summer campaign underway away to London on Sunday afternoon, as they aim to build momentum ahead of bigger challenges later in the season.
Sky Sports' live GAA coverage gets underway on Saturday, May 11 as Dublin face Kilkenny in the Leinster Hurling Championship opener. You can also stay up to date with all the action by following us @SkySportsGAA and get all the latest news, previews and interviews www.skysports.com/gaa
