HS hurling team of the week

August 17, 2015

A Galway supporter cheers a score during the All-Ireland SHC semi-final against Tipperary.
©INPHO/Donall Farmer.

Galway's high representation on our weekly selection would suggest they were full value for their dramatic All-Ireland SHC semi-final victory over Tipperary.

1. Colm Callanan (Galway): Despite being beaten three times, the Galway 'keeper had a super game. He stopped a penalty, denied Lar Corbett late on and also pulled off three saves in quick succession, twice denying 'Bonnar' Maher. Darren Gleeson was also excellent for Tipp.

2. Johnny Coen (Galway): Hardly gave John 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer a sniff and also made a number of relieving clearances.

3. James Barry (Tipperary): Had a satisfactory afternoon on Joe Canning and later on Cyril Donnellan and Jason Flynn.

4. Conor O'Brien (Tipperary): Wasn't at his best, but was still better than his opposite number Padraig Mannion who was given a torrid time by Seamus Callanan.

5. Ronan Maher (Tipperary): Was the pick of the Tipp half back line in what was only his second championship outing. Did well on Glynn, but found Canning harder to handle.

6. Iarla Tannion (Galway): The centre back's physical presence and experience were crucial factors in Galway's success. Nothing was going to stop him from winning that last ball as Tipp came in search of an equaliser.

7. Daithi Burke (Galway): The Turloughmore club man had one of his best ever games for Galway. Completely dominated Tipp's go-to-man Patrick 'Bonnar' Maher.

8. Andy Smith (Galway): As usual, Smith's work-rate and industry was outstanding. He was especially prominent in the Tribesmen's strong finish to the first half. Will he be the first Galway captain since Conor Hayes to lift the Liam MacCarthy Cup on September 6?

9. David Burke (Galway): Won his duel with James Woodlock and showed terrific fitness levels in the closing stages. Gave Joe Canning the pass that led to Shane Moloney's winning point.

10. Conor Whelan (Galway): The 18-year-old continues to improve with every outing. Spent most of the game in the corner where he caused plenty of trouble for Tipp and scored two points.

11. Brendan Maher (Tipperary): Had some success after dropping back into midfield early on and supplied the pass for Seamus Callanan's third goal. But his direct opponent Tannion hurt Tipp in the second half.

12. Jonny Glynn (Galway): Failed to scale the same heights as he did against Cork, but put himself about and was responsible for a number of turnovers which led to scores.

13. Jason Flynn (Galway): Decorated a fine performance with four points, including a late equaliser after it looked like Noel McGrath had secured Tipp's place in the All-Ireland final. His ability to win aerial ball on the half forward line was also vital.

14. Seamus Callanan (Tipperary): It may not be much consolation to the Premier County, but Callanan was head and shoulders above everyone else. He almost single-handedly delivered an All-Ireland final place with a huge haul of 3-9, including 3-4 from play. If only he had some support…

15. Cathal Mannion (Galway): One of the finds of the championship, Mannion shot five points to bring his tally for the season to 3-20. A star in the making.


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