The end of summer is definitely fast approaching as the first major final is on the New York GAA calendar for Sunday. Galway meet Offaly in the senior hurling final. Offaly will be attempting to achieve the unique feat of five in a row. Incidentally the St. Barnabas u 21 team achieved that feat on Sunday, prompting one very ecstatic St. Barnabas official to quip that they did what the great Kerry team failed to achieve. Ah yes a sense of perspective is sometimes in order if not a little deference for the great Kingdom squad. Granted there are only three senior hurling teams but the games have been highly competitive and entertaining.
The thirteen a side formation has worked very well in New York has it has facilitated very open and frequently high scoring games. Offaly will start as strong favorites as they have consistently been the best team in the Big Apple and I am sure the five in a row notion will certainly add considerable fire to their collective bellies. In addition they have always had the measure of Galway in recent times.
This is a high scoring Offaly outfit where the two Shanes, namely Sweeney and McNaughton, have a persistent penchant for goals. In addition the supply lines coming from the half forwards and midfield have been fruitful with Hartley, Molloy and Broderick linking up well plus hitting the target when needed. The midfielders Kelly and Drumgoole are very industrious while the defense is expertly marshaled by Diarmuid Lyng with reliable performances guaranteed from O'Sullivan, McGourty, Gaule, Hehir and keeper McNaughton.
This is uncharted territory for Galway as they have been in the also ran mode in most recent times. However their performances have considerably improved this season and they were certainly very impressive in preventing Tipperary from reaching another final. Defenders Lynch, Greville, Cahill, Geary and Kavanagh have gelled well together while midfielders McLoughlin and Butler have a very effective partnership. Their forwards have been skillful, speedy and accurate but they meet stern defenders in the Offaly men. The three Aidens, namely Harte, Moylan and Purcell, are all potential match winners along with Reilly provided Jackson, Farrell and the midfielders get sufficient quality ball into them. However I think the greater goal scoring capability of Offaly will tilt the game in their favor plus the opportunity to write that five in a row into the annals of New York GAA history will provide added impetus for a win.
