Shane Stapleton and Michael Verney run through the chances of Shane O’Neill’s Galway. Brought to you by OrgaRetro.com — use promo code ‘OurGame’ to get 15% off.
Shane O’Neill might well have hoped for smoother sailing in his first season in charge of Galway.
The Na Piarsaigh native won the All-Ireland club title with his home club in 2016 and brought them to the brink of regaining it two years later.
As such, O’Neill has a strong track record, but surviving at inter-county level is another challenge altogether.
Shane Stapleton and Michael Verney weigh of the chances of the Tribal County and ask if they can return to the summit.
During the league, they beat Westmeath, Cork and Tipperary, but lost to both Limerick — in convincing fashion — and Waterford.
They will dive in at the deep end during this year’s winter championship against the reigning Leinster champions Wexford.
Joe Canning missed all but 20 minutes of the 2019 summer campaign due to injury, and he should be back to full fitness for this term.
In recent seasons, he has been man-marked by Model defender Matt O’Hanlon, so how will the 2017 Hurler of the Year and manager O’Neill combat this?
That is among the topics debated on our video, which you can watch by clicking play at the top of the page.
Saturday October 24
Leinster SHC quarter-final
Dublin v Laois, Croke Park, 6pm
Sunday October 25
Munster SHC quarter-final
Clare v Limerick, Thurles, 3.45pm
Saturday October 31
Leinster SHC semi-finals
Kilkenny v Dublin or Laois, Croke Park, 3.45pm
Galway v Wexford, Croke Park, 6.15pm
Munster SHC semi-final
Cork v Waterford, Semple Stadium, 3.30pm
Sunday November 1
Munster SHC semi-final
Tipperary v Clare or Limerick, TBC, 4pm
Saturday November 7/Sunday November 8
All-Ireland SHC round 1
Christy Ring Cup round 2B
Nicky Rackard Cup round 2B
Lory Meagher Cup round 3
Cavan v Louth, Kingpsan Breffni, TBC
