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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That’s a pretty misleading headline in fairness. You’ve taken him out of context there
I don’t think ‘These games are great for practicing’ is taking anything out of context.
It looks like a poor attempt to paint the bloke in a negative, unsporting light.
I’d have to disagree there. A small change turns an innocuous comment about the nature of the autumn series into a dig at Ireland, as if he considered the match as nothing more strenuous than a warm-up with a practice squad. Needless sensationalism, in my own humble opinion.
Yeah, bad headline
The headline says “Ireland were great for practicing against, declares hooper”
What he actually said was “these games are great for practising and getting systems in place”
He made no specific reference to Ireland as opposed to any other team they play this autumn, but from reading the headline you would think he was disrespecting Ireland.
In fairness Patrick your usually fair enough but I think your off the mark this time.
The headline says “Ireland were great for practicing against, declares hooper”
What he actually said was “these games are great for practising and getting systems in place”
He made no specific reference to Ireland as opposed to any other team they play this autumn, but from reading the headline you would think he was disrespecting Ireland.
In fairness Patrick your usually fair enough but I think your off the mark this time.
I agree it is misleading…looking to stir something up…
Totally agree. The headline says something totally different to what the article reports. Headline suggests they totally disrespected Ireland which couldn’t be further from the truth judging by his full comment.
Incorrect Patrick, there’s quite a bit of difference between the two statements and the headline suggests a personal lack of sportsmanship directed specifically at Ireland.
The Journal, sharp in it’s early incarnation, has become increasingly sloppy with headlines and content over the last while and is no longer first port of call here for news or sport.
Another misleading headline
He did not mention ireland at all.
my granny would walk through that irish defence
She must be quick
Your headline is f@#kin joke. Typical. This site is gone to hell!
Has thejournal got a new editor recently? The headlines lately are ridiculous.
I’m really starting to get annoyed with the sensational tabloid headlines
Headline completely out of context. Trying to justify it is even worse.
Cheers for the comments and feedback. We have changed the headline to reflect Hooper’s drive to win three Tests in a row, for the first time, with the green & golds.
Cowboy
This site is getting worse by the day. Sad effort of a headline in fairness. No need for it.
Lmao…He just telling the truth…
It’s common sense what he’s saying
The score/the Sun
The Score is quickly slipping into Tabloid territory, come on lads, clean it up!
He’s right In a way! You could practice anything you like against that irish team?