Skehill says training intensity will stand to Galway

Galway goalkeeper James Skehill believes that the increased intensity of their training sessions this year will see them claim their first All-Ireland since 1988.

“Everything we do is based on hard work and a team ethic. If we don’t have hard work and a team ethic we are going nowhere,” said Skehill, who missed the start of the championship because of a shoulder injury.

“The training sessions are very tough; we ask a lot of each other and we demand a lot from each other.

“If someone isn’t putting in the effort be it on the pitch or off the pitch, they are told about it. We carry no passengers on this panel.

We have one goal, that’s to win the All-Ireland.”

The Galway defence came in for much criticism during the Leinster championship after leaking seven goals in their first two games. But now just two goals have sneaked past Skehill in their last two outings. He attributes this to a much improved defence in front of him and they’ll need to be on their toes against an in-form Kilkenny in the final.

“But that is something we have worked hard on, trying to implement a flurry defence and not to give up goal chances.

“If we can add another 15 or 20 percent to that for the next day it will stand us in good stead,” said the Cappataggle clubman.