PREVIEW: Dublin v Galway- Leinster Senior Hurling Championship

Image Courtesy Eamon O'Callaghan

Dublin face arguably their toughest challenge to date when they travel to Salthill to meet Galway in their Leinster Senior Hurling Championship Round 4 encounter on Saturday afternoon (4.30pm).

Results over the weekend have left this ultra-competitive group on a knife-edge, with Galway leading the way on full points following successive victories over Kilkenny, Offaly and Kildare. 

Their 4-22 to 1-22 win against the Lilies on Saturday was less than straightforward, however, with Kildare holding a 0-10 lead at the break, before Micheál Donoghue's charges recovered and pulled clear in the second half.

Of course, Donoghue is very familiar with the Dubs, having managed the side between 2022 and 2024 and his familiarity with the current panel is an advantage that he will look to avail of on Saturday. 

Pearse Stadium won't hold too much fear for a Dublin side that won their previous championship match there two years ago on their way to advancing to the provincial decider. 

Goals from Dónal Burke and Seán Currie propelled the Dubs to a 2-27 to 1-24 victory on that occasion, ironically under the stewardship of Donoghue and Niall Ó Ceallacháin will be optimistic that his charges can build on that positive experience and also on last Saturday’s five-point success against Wexford.

While not the most free-flowing of matches, Ó Ceallacháin was quick to recognise the character of his side, especially in the early stages of the second-half as the hosts threatened a comeback. 

Liam Rushe was a comforting presence at this vital stage and his influence, allied to David Purcell’s impressive showing at the opposite end of the field, offers cautious grounds for optimism ahead of the Tribesmen test.

Cian O’Sullivan’s sharpness up front was another positive to take from Wexford Park with his 1-3 tally reflecting an upturn in form by the current All-Star.

Given the strong breeze that generally pervades in Pearse Stadium, making the most of the elements in your favour and mitigating the damage when facing them will once again be pivotal and will go a long way to deciding the outcome.  

The match will be shown live on GAA+ for those supporters unable to travel down.