GALWAY GOALKEEPER COLM Callanan has launched a defence of their squad in the wake of the intense criticism the county’s hurlers have faced of late.
Last September saw Galway fall just short for the second time in four years at the All-Ireland final stage against Kilkenny.
The winter saw upheaval as manager Anthony Cunningham was ousted by player power in Galway.
And in the wake of last month’s Leinster final loss to Kilkenny, the Galway players came under fire once more.
“Ah sure look how does a team with no leaders get to All-Ireland finals and semi-finals and big games against Clare next Sunday?”, remarks Callanan.
“There is no defining answer. When you get over the line,then those questions may go away. But until we do everyone is going to try and find reason.
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“I’d like to simplify it myself. There is probably six or seven teams out there who can realistically win an All Ireland. The margin of decision-making in a game hurling is so small.
“The reality is there is big teams out there and we would like to think we can compete with those teams but it is very easy for it to go, I suppose, the bad way as the good way.
“That is two years out of four years it has happened us the last game of the year where we didn’t get over the line but we were very close and even more attention was paid to it.
“Trying to get over the line especially when you’re that close you can smell it, you’re in the final and when it’s taken away from you it’s heartbreaking but what can you do only get back on the road and see if you can get there again.”
Colm Callanan (third right) at yesterday's M. Donnelly GAA All-Ireland Poc Fada David Maher / SPORTSFILE
David Maher / SPORTSFILE / SPORTSFILE
Callanan insists it is not easier to absorb defeats, even if a great side like Kilkenny are administering the beatings.
“You wouldn’t be brushing it off easier or anything, it’s still heart-breaking any time you do lose out.
“You want to be coming off the field as the winner or what’s the point going on it in the first place. I wouldn’t say it’s easier to accept.”
“It’s not that it has to happen. You’ve no divine right to win any game. The other teams are putting in the same amount of time and effort as you are.
“To be part of the whole thing, playing for your county, is a huge honour. To get playing out there is an unreal experience no matter what the day is.
“The bit was between the players’ teeth since we started back at the start of the year. If it’s not, you’re not going to last.”
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'How does a team with no leaders get to All-Ireland finals and semi-finals?'
GALWAY GOALKEEPER COLM Callanan has launched a defence of their squad in the wake of the intense criticism the county’s hurlers have faced of late.
Last September saw Galway fall just short for the second time in four years at the All-Ireland final stage against Kilkenny.
The winter saw upheaval as manager Anthony Cunningham was ousted by player power in Galway.
And in the wake of last month’s Leinster final loss to Kilkenny, the Galway players came under fire once more.
“Ah sure look how does a team with no leaders get to All-Ireland finals and semi-finals and big games against Clare next Sunday?”, remarks Callanan.
“There is no defining answer. When you get over the line,then those questions may go away. But until we do everyone is going to try and find reason.
“I’d like to simplify it myself. There is probably six or seven teams out there who can realistically win an All Ireland. The margin of decision-making in a game hurling is so small.
“The reality is there is big teams out there and we would like to think we can compete with those teams but it is very easy for it to go, I suppose, the bad way as the good way.
“That is two years out of four years it has happened us the last game of the year where we didn’t get over the line but we were very close and even more attention was paid to it.
“Trying to get over the line especially when you’re that close you can smell it, you’re in the final and when it’s taken away from you it’s heartbreaking but what can you do only get back on the road and see if you can get there again.”
Callanan insists it is not easier to absorb defeats, even if a great side like Kilkenny are administering the beatings.
“You wouldn’t be brushing it off easier or anything, it’s still heart-breaking any time you do lose out.
“You want to be coming off the field as the winner or what’s the point going on it in the first place. I wouldn’t say it’s easier to accept.”
“It’s not that it has to happen. You’ve no divine right to win any game. The other teams are putting in the same amount of time and effort as you are.
“To be part of the whole thing, playing for your county, is a huge honour. To get playing out there is an unreal experience no matter what the day is.
“The bit was between the players’ teeth since we started back at the start of the year. If it’s not, you’re not going to last.”
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Colm Callanan Hurling 2016 Galway Tribes Fight Back