Power Rankings: Galway the early pace setters in the National Hurling League

LAST weekend the Allianz National League kicked off with all 12 top-tier teams in action.

There were few in the way of shocks with Antrim’s win over Clare the standout result.

With every team having played a game, we present our first power rankings of the season.

1.Galway

Although the nature of the opposition must be considered, to put up 5-34 against any side is a series statement of intent by the Tribesmen. Even without Joe Canning, Galway looked incredibly potent in Mullingar with new captain Conor Whelan leading by example with the first goal of the game.

The visit of Limerick will certainly be a clearer indicator of where they are at but the early signs are very positive for Shane O’Neill as he starts year two in charge.

2.Cork

Every year the hope on Leeside is that the All-Ireland famine will come to an end with Cork entering into a 16^th season since their last Liam MacCarthy success. Only one final has been reached in that time with the Rebels flattering to deceive. However, Sunday’s performance was definitely their best since 2018 as Kieran Kingston’s hit the ground running.

They left it late to finish their flurry of goals but with a number of young players looking settled in the side, it could be a prosperous summer for Cork.

3. Kilkenny

Few teams know how to win as well as Kilkenny as they ground out an opening day win against Leinster rivals Dublin. Cody’s side were far from vintage as they struggled to put away Mattie Kenny’s side. But when their need was greatest, they were able to pull away down the home stretch with a five point win.

Having Adrian Mullen back is a huge boost for Cody but again all the chips will lie with TJ Reid whose importance to the team continues to grow.

4.Wexford

Davy Fitz’ men were far from their best against Laois last Sunday but after a dreadful 2020 championship, the manner of the win in the end will come as a huge boost to the Yellowbellies. Quickfire goals midway through the second half put the result beyond doubt but the late flurry where they outscored their visitors will have pleased Fitz’ the most. The standard of opposition must be noted but an opening day 19-point win is nothing to be scoffed at.

The 2019 Leinster champions demonstrated their efficiency in front of goal and the result will no doubt breathe confidence into the camp ahead of their clash with Clare this weekend.

5. Limerick

Even though John Kiely’s men weren’t at their imperious best, their unbeaten streak continues with July 2019 providing their last competitive setback. Their opponents controlled the middle quarter but a late fightback will see Limerick aggrieved not to have picked up the win.

The introduction of Cian Lynch and Gearoid Hegarty definitely turned the tide with the Hurlers of the Year combining on a couple of occasions to devastating effect. They are still the team to beat but Sunday’s clash with Galway has taken on a far bigger meaning.

6. Tipperary

Despite dominating the League, Munster and All-Ireland champions in their own back garden, Liam Sheedy’s men will be delighted to have come away from the LIT Gaelic Grounds with a share of the spoils. For large periods, Tipp were reliant on Jason Forde frees with the Silvermines man duly obliging.

Yet, their intensity was noticeable even without stalwarts like Paudie Maher, Noel McGrath and Seamus Callanan. They face a rejuvenated Cork on Saturday which will say a lot about where they are.

7. Antrim

Arguably the big winners of the weekend, despite all the talk in the meantime, few outside the Saffron camp would have expected the hosts to come away from Corrigan Park with the win. But Antrim were full value for the victory in their first game back in the top tier as they showed their worth.

The Ulster side showed great composure to recover from a ten point deficit early in the first half to level prior to the interval. In the end it was late scores from Ciaran Clarke who finished with a 1-11 and a monster effort from stalwart Neil McManus to seal the win. This weekend with Kilkenny will say a lot.

8. Waterford

Defeat was their lot on Sunday but Waterford will have been happy to get back out on the field after losing heavily in their previous game, December’s All-Ireland final. The Deise struggled for large periods against a buoyant Rebel team but were well within a chance of winning until the final ten minutes which will be a big plus for Liam Cahill.

Finding a replacement for Tadhg De Burca will be the key for this side who looked so porous in defence unlike their performances in 2020.

9. Dublin

Another slow start for the capital who fell to Leinster rivals Kilkenny. Mattie Kenny did revert Sean Moran back to a more natural position in the half back line but is still insisting on Chris Crummy in the wing forward line. Despite the Lucan Sarsfields man adaptability, he is far more suited to the wing back line where he can be a commanding figure for the capital side.

The Laois game is now a must win if they are to build some confidence ahead of the championship.

10. Laois

A heavy victory suffered at the hands of Wexford will do little for the 2019 McDonagh Cup winners who rarely looked like troubling the Yellowbellies. Laois will rue 20 wides in a game where they only scored seven points from play. PJ Scully was a bright spark with two from play to go with four from placed balls but it was a disappointing day at the office for Cheddar Plunkett.

They now face a Dublin side who will be raring to get a first win of the season.

10. Westmeath

To lose any game by 30 points is hugely disappointing but a season opener could prove detrimental to the Lake County. In truth they were savage by a rampant Galway side who showed little in terms of slowing down once they led by seventeen at the break. The Leinster side did battle to their credit but the gulf in class was certainly evident on the day.

Things don’t get much easier against Waterford this weekend.

Ciaran Doyle did get the score of the weekend however.

12. Clare

Although others lost by more points over the weekend, there won’t be a team more low after the first round than Brian Lohan’s Clare. A loss to newly promoted Antrim wouldn’t have come up on the agenda in the lead up to the trip to Belfast.

Yes conditions were very difficult but there will have been few if any positives to take from the game. Next up is Wexford and Davy Fitz.

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