Tue, 11th March 2025
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County News
By Conor Martin
Dublin welcome Galway to Croke Park this Saturday evening, looking to keep alive their hopes of a top-two finish and a place in the Allianz Football League Division 1 Final.
The Sky Blues’ league form against Galway in recent years has returned a 100% record against the men in maroon and white from our last five league meetings, including our 2018 Division 1 final triumph.
Dessie Farrell’s men have three wins to their name so far in this league campaign, which came in the form of victories over Mayo, Kerry and Derry. But we were beaten by Donegal and Armagh and go into this weekend’s game third in the table.
Dublin, in fairness, were second best in the defeat to Armagh and will be hoping for an improved performance on Saturday night. The All-Ireland champions raced into a sizeable lead and were leading 1-15 to 0-3 at one stage.
Con O’Callaghan finally got Dublin going with our first score 20 minutes into the game. Brian Howard and Luke Breathnach scored the only other two Dublin points of the first-half as Armagh led 1-12 to 0-3 at the break.
Despite a Lorcan O’Dell goal in the 43rd minute, Dublin couldn’t claw their way back into the game. Con O’Callaghan & Breathnach followed up that goal with scores, but Armagh were still finding scores at the other end of the pitch. Kevin Lahiff, Cormac Costello and Ciarán Kilkenny scored our final points of the game as last year's All-Ireland winners recorded a comfortable eight-point win.
The likes of Con O’Callaghan and Kilkenny bring experience & clinical attacking prowess to our attack. However Breathnach and Tom and Kevin Lahiff will be looking to continue their good form in this league campaign. Dublin’s attack could also be boosted should Seán Bugler be fit enough to feature this weekend. The St Oliver Plunkett Eoghan Ruadh clubman was a major asset to the Dublin attack before his injury against Derry, so his potential inclusion in this weekend’s panel will be very much welcomed as the Boys in Blue look to take maximum points.
Galway lead the way in Division 1, with three wins and two draws to their name; they are the only county in the top flight who remain undefeated and a win for the Tribesmen will cement their place in the league final.
The Connacht side have been impressive this year and started the league with back-to-back wins against Armagh and Mayo.
They also beat Donegal and drew with Derry and Tyrone. Their form this year & solid performances mean they'll be confident of a result against Dublin in the capital.
Shane Walsh leads a strong forward-line and has support in the form of Matthew Tierney, Robert Finnerty and Cillian Ó Curraoin, who can prove more than a handful for Dublin’s defence. Walsh scored 1-8 last time out in the draw against Tyrone and kicked an extremely impressive 11 points in their win against Donegal.
At the back, Galway captain Seán Kelly will be looking to be a headache for our forwards and is well supported along the half-back line with Seán Mulkerrin providing cover while Daniel O’Flaherty, Jack Glynn and Johnny McGrath cover the full-back line well.
With both teams needing a win, expect an enthralling encounter this Saturday night under the lights at HQ.
Dublin v Galway recent Allianz Football League meetings:
●16th March 2024, Pearse Stadium, Salthill, Galway - Galway 0-14 (14) - 0-22 (22) Dublin
●20th May 2021, Tuam Stadium, Tuam, Galway - Galway 1-15 (18) - 2-16 (22) Dublin
●25th October 2020, Pearse Stadium, Salthill, Galway - Galway 0-15 (15) - 2-15 (21) Dublin
●2nd February 2019, Croke Park, Dublin - Dublin 1-15 (18) - 0-7 (7) Galway
●1st April 2018, Croke Park Dublin - (Division 1 final) - Dublin 0-18 (18) Dublin - 0-14 (14) Galway
