Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Galway hurling boss wary of Clare

Galway hurling boss John McIntyre has mixed views on facing neighbours Clare in phase two of the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Both teams were gallant losers to Kilkenny and Tipperary respectively at the weekend, and have plenty to build on ahead of the July 11 knockout clash at Cusack Park in Ennis.

"In terms of the draw, it's probably the one we wanted least. But in terms of keeping management and players on edge and going forward, it's probably the best one we could have had," he told Hoganstand.com.

"Clare will be a huge test for us, when you look at what they accomplished in their Munster senior hurling semi-final yesterday against Tipperary. They gave Tipp an 11-point lead, but reeled them in and had Tipp on the ropes coming towards the end - and most people have Tipperary marked out as the second best team in the championship this season."