Flashback: Dublin v Galway 1989/1990 National Hurling League

By Conor Martin

This weekend, Micheál Donoghue's Dublin head to Galway in the fourth round of Allianz Hurling League action.

The Tribesmen have been impressive so far this year and share the league's highest points difference of +51 with league leaders Limerick.

Pearse Stadium historically hasn't been a happy hunting ground for Dublin and a win in Salthill this Sunday will see Dublin pick up their first league win in the Connacht county since 29th October, 1989, during the 1989/1990 National Hurling League season.

Galway were the defending league champions and beat Dublin comfortably, 2-13 to 1-9, in the semi-finals of the 1988–1989 league campaign.

Going into the game, Dublin had gotten their league season off to a great start with a win 1-10 to 1-9 at Croke Park against a talented Tipperary side, who were runners up to Galway in the 1988-1989 league final.

The late MJ Ryan led the way on the scoring front for the Boys in Blue and Rory Boland joined him in raising a green flag. Brian McMahon and Shane Dalton were also among the scorers that day.

It would be a season to remember for McMahon, as he finished the league with 5-21 to his name.

Joe Cooney and Éanna Ryan were impressive for the home side, with a tally of 0-7 and 1-1, respectively. But it was Dublin's ability to find scores from all over the park that saw them head home with a 2-16 to 1-15 win.

Dublin would advance from the league's group stage, beating Waterford in the quarter-finals before losing to the eventual league champions at the semi-final stage for the second year in a row as Kilkenny ended our aspirations and went on to win the final against Wexford.

Here's hoping our Senior Hurlers can end the long wait for a win in Galway this weekend!

Galway Scorers: J Cooney 0-7, É Ryan 1-1, T Monaghan 0-3, M Kenny 0-3, M McGrath 0-1

Dublin Scorers: MJ Ryan 1-2, R Boland 1-0, B McMahon 0-3, J Murphy 0-3, K Hetherton 0-3, S McDermott 0-3, S Dalton 0-2. 

Referee: G Ryan (Tipperary)