Shane Stapleton and David Connors of the Tuam Herald look forward to the Galway SHC semi-final between St Thomas’ and Cappataggle, reflect on Turloughmore coming of age against Loughrea, and ask what has gone wrong with relegated Portumna.
Cappataggle have never reached a Galway SHC final and they will need to beat the county kingpins to put that right this Sunday.
Their opponents, St Thomas’, are chasing a three-in-a-row and have a midfield and forward line that have all featured for the county at minor level or better.
The dual threat of the Mannion brothers — Ja and Donal — may need to deliver if Cappy are to break through the glass ceiling, and David Connors of the Tuam Herald helps set the scene.
The game was postponed a week due to a positive Covid test in Thomas’, but the other semi-final went ahead as planned where Turloughmore saw off Loughrea.
Connors describes the performance of “absolute freak” Daithi Burke, their set-up, and how Conor Walsh and Sean Linnane are performing in attack.
The discussion also veers towards Joe Canning’s Portumna, a side who this season were relegated and suffered some heavy defeats.
Galway SHC semi-final
Turloughmore v Cappataggle, Sunday 12pm
Galway SHC semi-final result
Turloughmore 2-17 Loughrea 1-17
Other hurling fixtures this weekend
SATURDAY
Cork SHC semi-final – Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Blackrock v UCC, 4.0; Páirc Uí Chaoimh: Glen Rovers v Erins Own, 7.30
Meath SHC semi-final – Páirc Tailteann: Trim v Kildalkey, 5.0
Offaly SHC semi-final – Birr: Belmont v Kilcormac-Killoughey, 4.30
SUNDAY
Armagh SHC final – Athletic Grounds: Cuchulainn v Middletown Na Fianna, 4.0
Clare SHC final – Cusack Pk: O’Callaghans Mills v Sixmilebridge, 3.0
Kilkenny SHC final – Nowlan Pk: Shamrocks Ballyhale v Dicksboro, 2.30
Laois SHC semi-finals – O’Moore Pk: Rathdowney Errill v Borris-in-Ossory Kilcotton, 1.30; O’Moore Pk: Rosenallis v Clough/Ballacolla, 3.30
Meath SHC semi-final – Páirc Tailteann: Ratoath v Na Fianna CLG, 5.0
Offaly SHC semi-final – O’Connor Pk: Birr v St Rynaghs, 4.30
Roscommon SHC final – Dr Hyde Pk: Athleague v Pádraig Pearses, 1.0
Sligo SHC final – Markievicz Pk: Naomh Eoin v Easkey, 4.30
Wicklow SHC final – Aughrim: Bray Emmets v Carnew Emmets, 4.30
Want more?
Watch the Galway SFC semi-finals previews with David Connors of the Tuam Herald.
Watch the Dublin SFC final preview with Conor McKeon.
Watch Club Talk: Hurling with Shane Stapleton and Michael Verney.
Watch the Kilkenny SHC final preview with Eoin Murphy.
