By Mike Fitzpatrick
Galway junior hurlers are looking good for silverware this season, having grabbed their second successive victory Sunday at Gaelic Park.
Mike Curtin, Derek Glennon and workhorse Eamonn Shields were given far too much time and space on the ball in the first half, and truly ran amok, causing the Jersey backline all sorts of problems.
Jersey fought back through efforts from Kevin Corbett and Tony Spillane, but the eight-point lead Galway had going into the interval was never really going to relinquished. Curtin in particular had a fantastic first half with nearly every effort he made registering as a score.
The second half began with Galway relaxing a little, and New Jersey took full advantage. Kevin Corbett fired in a fine goal for New Jersey, and his successful 3-pointer was followed by another two shots over the bar.
The Jersey comeback was stemmed though, and the Connaught side had Vinnie Ruane and Paul Caldwell to thank for a number of interceptions which stole the danger from the Jersey attacks.
Never miss an issue of The Irish Echo
Subscribe to one of our great value packages.
Galway always seemed the stronger side throughout and with performances from players of the caliber of the aforementioned scorers, along with veteran Sean Donohue, they must surely look good to go a long way this season.
New Jersey, despite possessing such a phenomenal hurler as Kevin Corbett, don’t look as if they will make the all important play off positions later in the season unless they can provide themselves with a severe change in fortunes. The spirit they showed in the second half was a far better performance than the one they had displayed in the first, and if they can keep this level up for whole games, then they may have better luck later in the season.
Galway: Dermot O’Brien, Vinnie Ruane, Fergal Lynch, Paul Cauldwell, Sean Nolan, Brian Madigan, Eamonn Shields (0-2), Sean Donohue (0-1), Kevin Lockhart (0-2), Mike Curtin (1-7), Derek Glennon (1-4), Cyril McGuinness, Tommy Ryan Subs Cathal Kenny, Enda Lally, Kevin Shaughnessy.
New Jersey: Barry O’Meara, Finbarr Craughwell, John Mannion, Sean Holmes, John Slattery (0-1), Colm O’Shaughnessy, Tommy Bermingham, Tony Spillane (0-2), Kevin Corbett (2-2), Willy Hanlon, Colm Gaughan, Sean McNamara (1-0), Willie Clooney. Sub Kevin Moore.