While his focus was more on his own county’s “false dawn,” Kilkenny hurling legend DJ Carey acknowledged Galway were the better team last Sunday (27th May) even if he did have words to say about the Pearse Stadium pitch.
“Galway were comfortable winners and the eight-point margin didn’t flatter them in the slightest,” said Carey in his column in the Irish Mirror. “From front to back Galway were on top on Sunday.
DJ Carey column: Galway loss proves league win was false dawn for Cats #GAA #Hurling https://t.co/ELYixMS3Qd
— Irish Mirror Sport (@MirrorSportIE) May 29, 2018
“When they needed to move up a gear, they did that seamlessly and they had players coming on who could do as efficient a job as those they were replacing.
“Galway defended very well, though, and they’re extremely tough and hardy at the back. It’ll be tight for them in Wexford on Saturday but I’d still expect them to come through.
“I wouldn’t worry any more about (Kilkenny) facing Galway in Croke Park than anywhere else. They’re not the sort of side that run at you and exploit space, they just win the ball and pop their scores.
“It’s taken them a period of time to get to where they are now and many of their players had to learn the hard way, which Kilkenny are doing now.
“I can’t finish without referring to the state of the Pearse Stadium pitch on Sunday.
Looks like there is Weetabix growing on the pitch at Pearse Stadium after ED. @galwayad pic.twitter.com/OlehtbdPe1
— Declan Varley (@declanvarley) May 27, 2018
“Galway have been fighting for home games for as long as they’ve been in the Leinster and then they stage concerts there a couple of weeks ahead of it when they finally get one.
“No matter if it’s Croke Park, Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Semple Stadium or Pearse Stadium, we have to make sure, above all else, that our pitches are in perfect condition for Championship games.
“I’m sure the Galway players were as disappointed as anyone by what they had to play on. It’s not good enough.
“The standard of hurling and football, and what it’s played on, should never suffer because of commercialism.”
Galway face Wexford in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship next Saturday (2nd June). Throw-in at Innovate Wexford Park is at 5pm.
GALWAY GAA: HURLERS BEAT KILKENNY IN PEARSE STADIUM’S FIRST GAME https://t.co/WPr0d8Xrnd
— Galway Daily (@GalwayDaily) May 27, 2018
