If Canning is fully fit Portumna should prevail

AIB All-Ireland Club SHC semi-final: Portumna v Loughmore-Castleiney, Gaelic Grounds Limerick, 2pm, (A. Stapleton, Laois).

THE age-old argument about whether or not Galway teams are at a disadvantage going into All- Ireland semi-finals, by virtue of their lack of opposition in Connacht, doesn’t apply here.

While Portumna did enjoy their usual romp in the Connacht final, a 6-23 to 0-7 trouncing of James Stephens of Ballina, and Loughmore-Castleiney did have to battle their way through Munster with three hard-earned wins over Erin’s Own (Cork), Adare (Limerick) and Tulla (Clare), all that is now water well under the bridge.

Two months have gone since either were in competitive action, both having taken a break from training over Christmas. So both are starting from scratch again.

All through their Tipperary and Munster campaigns, Loughmore-Castleiney have been under-rated, and they have surprised even themselves with their progress to this stage of this most prestigious of club competitions. On closer examination, however, they stack up with anyone. A solid keeper in captain Johnny Gleeson, outstanding defence anchored by the experienced David Kennedy at centre-back, Paul Ormonde doing an amount of tidying up behind, Tom King excelling on the wing, two good midfielders, Gary Sweeney especially, three top forwards in Evan Sweeney, Micheál Webster and youngster Noel McGrath, ably abetted by David McGrath, Eddie Connolly and Rory Stapleton, this is a well-balanced side, anchored down the middle by experienced and talented hurlers. They are where they are on merit.

Portumna though – this is a team that’s been here before, and done it all. Two years ago they came out of Galway and went all the way, defeating Newtownshandrum in a low-scoring All-Ireland final.

In 2007 they reached their fifth successive Galway final, blitzed Kinvara by 6-12 to 0-11 – two impressive stats.

They are backboned by the four Canning brothers, keeper Ivan, corner-back and captain Ollie, full-forwards Joe and David, with the two Hayes brothers, Niall and Damien, also key players. Assuming Joe Canning is fit from a hamstring problem, they look to be just that bit more powerful.

* Verdict: Portumna.