By James McMahon
It’s a case of winners takes all in Salthill, with promotion to Division 1 and a divisional final against Tyrone the prize for the victors.
Galway boss Alan Mulholland spoke earlier in the week about being “in bonus territory” with regard to the progress of his side.
Kildare, on the other hand, were expected to challenge for promotion and are bidding for a fifth straight win to seal the deal.
The momentum is certainly with the Lilywhites, though they can expect a test of their credentials here.
Kieran McGeeney’s side have certainly come on from the disappointment of losing their opening two games, and the way they dismantled Westmeath a fortnight was testament to the power and strength they have all over the field.
Promotion to the top tier is seen by Kildare supporters as a must this season, and will give them a boost heading into the championship. Their summer campaign does not begin until 16 June and victory on Sunday would guarantee a divisional decider against Tyrone at the end of the month.
A Croke Park encounter against Mickey Harte’s side would be ideal preparation for the tests that ultimately lie ahead, as Kildare strive for some silverware under McGeeney’s stewardship. For the trip west, Eamonn O’Callaghan is likely to be on the sidelines again as he nurses a groin injury. There are also injury concerns surrounding Daryl Flynn, John Doyle and Thomas O’Connor.
Dropping vital points against Westmeath and Louth has been Galway’s Achilles heel so far in this campaign. Yet, in saying that, supporters will feel that the side are on the right track after a few turbulent years. Padraig Joyce once again showed he is a class act when coming on against Monaghan the last day and inspired the westerners to victory in a tight encounter.
You have to go back to 1984 for the last time Kildare defeated Galway in competitive action, and on current form you would have to say that the Leinster side have it within them to earn a long overdue victory in what is likely to be a high-scoring contest.
Verdict: Kildare
