Cats to answer stiff questions from unpredictable Tribesmen

THE qualifier in Semple Stadium tomorrow night could mark the end of Kilkenny’s dominance of the Guinness All-Ireland SHC or it could rubbish the hastily-written obituaries of Brian Cody’s team.

From Galway's perspective, it will once more re-launch the debate over the positives and negatives of the championship format which they must endure.

This is not unknown territory for these two, having produced a thrilling qualifier tie in Thurles in 1997. The Connacht side lead by nine points at the interval but inspired by DJ Carey, the Cats took victory and progressed to an All-Ireland semi-final with Clare.

Galway gained some revenge three years ago when, despite being a man down, they triumphed by a margin of five points in an All-Ireland semi-final with Eugene Cloonan and Kevin Broderick in devastating form.

Under Conor Hayes' management, Galway have made consistent progress especially with a more direct style of play, which enables the three inside players to exploit their obvious pace.

The one problem for Galway and it's a perennial one is their lack of match practice.

The League final win over an under-performing Waterford was played two months ago. Since then their only competitive outing was the one sided victory against Down (5-19 to 1-14).

Searching questions can also be asked of Kilkenny and their reaction to the Wexford defeat.

The team formation has altered little, but it's notable that a fully fit DJ Carey is included in the attack, having been injured for the Leinster semi-final.

It's a difficult game to predict as Galway's current form is largely unknown.

I am inclined towards Kilkenny on the basis that they are still good enough to challenge for the three-in-a-row. But, if they are to be dismissed from the race, now is the time for it to happen.