Cooney looking on the bright side

Conor Cooney says Galway's hurlers are continuing to improve as Micheal Donoghue enters his second season in charge of the Tribesmen.

Donoghue was named as Galway boss just before Christmas last year, replacing Anthony Cunningham, who left following a player revolt after the 2015 All-Ireland final replay defeat to Kilkenny.

Galway, who have not won an All-Ireland since 1988, were beaten in this year's All-Ireland semi-final.by the eventual champions Tipperary, but suffered relegation from the top-flight of the National Hurling League earlier in the year.

"It definitely helps to have Micheal there again. He has been excellent and the guys with him, Noel Larkin and Franny Forde, the backroom team are all top class," St Thomas' clubman Cooney said.

"You need continuity if you are going to go anywhere. It’s a big plus and we are going to look forward to next year.

"Micheal is very level-headed, and says what he has to say in as few words as possible which is very good. There is top respect for himself and the lads."

Donoghue dropped former captains David Collins, Fergal Moore and Andy Smith, and the experienced pair of Cyril Donnellan and Iarla Tannian from his 40-man training squad for the new season, as he looks to rebuild the squad.

Youngsters Sean Loftus, Sean McInerney, Thomas Monaghan, Dan Nevin, Kevin McHugo, Gavin Lally and Michael Conneely have all come into the squad, and Cooney says the new players will revitalise the panel.

"The fact that we have so many newer younger guys in. It is a big chance for them to put their hands up for a jersey," he said.

"There are a few more lads coming back into it, there will be competition for places. That’s the way you make a panel stronger.

"And it’s a busy schedule between Walsh Cup and league. We won’t feel it rolling around and it’s a very packed calendar from there.

"There are top hurlers there, the likes of Kevin McHugo was outstanding in the U-21 final a couple of months ago.

"Everyone is going to put their head down. The way you are going to go forward is if there is competition for places and that’s the way it is."

Galway open their Walsh Cup campaign against DIT in Ballinasloe on 8 January, and begin their NHL Division 1B campaign away to Offaly on 12 February.

In the Championship, the Tribesmen will meet Dublin in the quarter-finals of the Leinster SHC next summer.

Photo (Inpho/ Cathal Noonan)

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