Galway and Offaly will face off to battle for what would be a rare Leinster SHC final berth for either side.
Offaly disposed of Wexford in the quarter-finals, while Galway advanced at the expense of Westmeath.
The Tribesmen are confident that Joe Canning will be fit enough to line out at full-forward, but the Portumna man’s shoulder problems and his side’s recent Championship record would appear to open the door for an upset to occur.
Galway manager Anthony Cunningham said Canning’s omission against the Model men was purely precautionary, but the two-time All-Star has become increasingly susceptible to injury in recent times.
This is the Connacht side’s fourth year in the Leinster mix, and they have only one final appearance to their credit in that time. Cunningham has yet to find the solution to the problem of inconsistency, which also plagued many of his predecessors.
Although they enjoyed a comfortable 10-point victory over Westmeath, Galway also managed to concede four goals to the Lakesmen. They were missing Canning and defender David Collins, but that does not excuse the porous nature of their rearguard in Mullingar.
However, first-choice goalkeeper James Skehill is available again after a prolonged spell on the sidelines. The Cappataggle stopper suffered a dislocated shoulder in a league game against Waterford in March. His return should ensure Galway’s net does not rattle so routinely.
Not that Offaly won’t pose a goal threat. Both Shane Dooley and Joe Bergin registered three-pointers against Wexford, and they will be the two forwards Galway will need to keep closest tabs on.
It would also be wrong to underestimate the confidence Ollie Baker’s charges will have garnered from overcoming the Slaneysiders in the last round. The Faithful led by nine points at one stage, but they were almost caught with a last-gasp Wexford free.
However, winning a close game can often be more beneficial than walking one, and Offaly will feel they have more than a fighting chance of reaching their first provincial decider since 2004.
Verdict: Offaly
