Joyce makes one change to Galway side to face Dublin in All-Ireland quarter-final
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PADRAIC JOYCE has made one change to the Galway senior football team to face Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-final. Shane McGrath replaces Fionn McDonagh on the Galway starting xv.
Meanwhile, Liam Ó Conghaile has been drafted into the Tribesmen’s 26 man panel, with Shay McGlinchey dropping out of the panel. As a mark of respect to the late Paul Clancy, the number ten jersey proudly worn by Paul with distinction as a player will not be used in Sunday’s match.
Galway goalkeeper Connor Gleeson is named behind a full-back line of Jack Glynn, Cian Hernon and Liam Silke for the men in maroon and white. Further afield, Dylan McHugh, John Daly and Sean Kelly retain their places in an unchanged half-back line.
Galway captain John Maher and Paul Conroy continue their partnership in midfield. Shane McGrath comes into the side in the half forward line alongside Cillian McDaid and Cein D’Arcy. Robert Finnerty, Matthew Tierney and Shane Walsh have been in impressive scoring form for Joyce’s charges where they have been on target with 5-42 in Galway’s four championship games. Joyce has decided to hold Damien Comer in reserve.
Matthew Thompson remains Galway’s only injury absentee, The Connacht finalists enter the game following a two-week break after victories over Kildare and Westmeath. Last year showed how playing three consecutive weekends can eventually take its toll on teams, and Galway should benefit from an element of freshness.
That said, Galway’s last major test came against Roscommon on May 10. While Westmeath pushed them hard in stages, Joyce’s men still controlled large portions of that contest and led for most of the game.
Dublin required extra time to overcome Donegal in Round three of the All-Ireland series. Brennan’s side have responded impressively after suffering defeat to Louth in round one, recording victories over Cavan and Donegal to revive their campaign. This weekend will mark their third consecutive week in action.
Galway play Dublin in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship quarter-final on Sunday at 4pm in Croke Park. The game forms part of a double-header, with Louth and Monaghan meeting at 1.45pm. Both matches will be broadcast live on RTÉ Two.
GALWAY: Connor Gleeson; Jack Glynn, Cian Hernon, Liam Silke; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Sean Kelly; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Cein D’Arcy, Shane McGrath, Cillian McDaid; Robert Finnerty, Matthew Tierney, Shane Walsh.
SUBS: Conor Flaherty, Brian Cogger, Sean Mulkernin, Johnny McGrath, Kieran Molloy, Fionn McDonagh, Daniel O’Flaherty, Finnian Ó Laoi, Jack Mullen, Damien Comer, Liam Ó Conghaile .