Tribe’s Smith spurred on by win over Rebels

GALWAY star Andy Smith believes that last Saturday’s victory over Cork will be a huge advantage to the Tribesmen when they meet Waterford in Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC quarter-final (throw-in 4pm, Semple Stadium).

Portumna star Smith is undaunted by Galway’s punishing schedule as they prepare for a third mammoth championship outing in as many weeks.

Smith, 25, also revealed the revenge factor behind the Cork win after the Rebels won last year’s championship meeting between the two counties, with 14 men.

Smith admitted: “We went into the Cork game on the back of a good win against Clare but we weren’t too hopeful.

“Last year, they gave us a real dig in beating us.

“There was the revenge factor there but we hurled well. Against Waterford, that should stand to us.”

Smith is under no illusions about the size of the task he and his teammates face.

“Again, it’s going to be another titanic battle but it’s nearly easier going week on week. You have no time to dwell on things and the confidence of the lads will be up after the win.”

Smith, who scored 2-2 against Birr in the 2008 All-Ireland club final, is disappointed that key defenders Adrian Cullinane and Shane Kavanagh are unavailable for the Déise test, but he added: “The competition is fierce within the panel.

“You’re never assured of your place. People go on about Kilkenny having a serious squad but we have an exceptionally good squad there this year.”

If Galway beat Waterford, they will have defeated the three teams Tipperary accounted for on their way to Munster glory, namely Cork, Clare and Davy Fitzgerald’s Waterford.

Smith nodded: “Tipp had the exact same path. We have two of those games won and now we have another huge battle.

“It’s like a mini Munster championship. Waterford are an exceptionally good side and will have taken an awful lot out of the Munster final, when they came back very well against Tipp.

“We won’t be underestimating them by any means.”