Galway decline up for scrutiny

Galway boss Anthony Cunningham is expected to deliver his report on a disappointing campaign to the county’s hurling committee this week.

The review of Cunningham’s first two years at the helm has been completed by the executive committee and club delegates this week will receive feedback on what went wrong in a deflating summer for the senior side. Delegates will have the opportunity to air their views on the Cunningham-led management team.

The departure of team coach and selector Mattie Kenny in mid-August fuelled speculation about the future of Cunningham and it remains to be seen if the board will give the manager the green light to see out the final year of his three-year contract.

Mattie Murphy’s future as county minor manager is also to feature on the agenda. Murphy guided Galway to September’s All-Ireland decider, but was unsuccessful in his bid to secure a seventh minor crown as boss.

Meanwhile at local level, the county semi-finals take place this weekend with all eyes on the clash of All-Ireland club champions St. Thomas’ and former kingpins Portumna (throw-in 4pm). The two sides clashed in the first round of the championship in June with Portumna winning 1-16 to 2-11. Loughrea and Beagh provide the curtain raiser at Kenny Park, Athenry on Sunday.