Collins driven on by courageous comeback

GALWAY captain David Collins has more reason than most to relish tomorrow’s NHL final against Cork.

Two years ago he suffered a horrific ankle break while playing for Connacht in the M Donnelly inter-pro series, an injury which threatened his playing career.

But after a series of operations and intense physiotherapy programmes, the Liam Mellows man returned to the county colours in their victory over Limerick earlier this season.

“It was a tough time but there was nothing anyone could do about.

“So you just have to get on with life. That is in the past and I am just really looking forward to tomorrow’s game and trying to get a win over Cork.

“We know that won’t be easy as they are a very good side and they have some quality players with fantastic experience in their line-up. Lads like the O’Connors, John Gardiner, Donal Óg Cusack, Sean Óg O hÁilpín and Ronan Curran have done it all in hurling, and have the medals to prove it.

“We know the challenge we face. But, unless you believe you can beat the top teams, you won’t.”

Galway are missing Fergal Moore and Niall Healy who scored 2-9 against Cork in their regular season but on the plus side they welcome back Cyril Donnellan from suspension.

Galway defeated Cork in that last clash in Pearse Stadium, but Collins sees no value in making any comparisons with that fixture.

“Both sides are completely different from the ones that started that game and the final will be played at a totally different pace and intensity. We have had a good league and it was very important to get a few wins after suffering a big defeat to Tipperary.

“Denis Walsh will have his team well revved up to beat us and we will be the same so it has the makings of a terrific game. We have a very strong panel of about 35 lads and there is huge competition for places so we know we have to perform every day we go out. John McIntyre tells us want he wants us to do and if you are not delivering, he won’t be long in taking you off and letting you know he is unhappy.”

Collins has a league medal from 2004 as a raw 19-year-old and he has been involved with a few management set-ups in the interim.

And he is very impressed with the men in charge at present.

“The whole thing is very professional and John (McIntyre) is an excellent communicator. Everyone knows their role and it is up to us to perform it on the field of play. Things are very positive in the camp and anything you need is provided for. Fergal O’Callinan who works with Munster is our core and fitness expert and every one of us is doing our best to be in top shape for the coming championship.

“We set winning the league as one of our objectives for the year and that’s what we will be trying to do in Thurles tomorrow.”