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Hurling

"No reason" | Cathal Mannion says extended squad should be at games

Galway's Cathal Mannion would like to see all of his colleagues from the full panel at the Gaelic...



Hurling

"No reason" | Cathal Mannion says extended squad should be at games

Galway's Cathal Mannion would like to see all of his colleagues from the full panel at the Gaelic Grounds when the Tribesmen play Tipperary on Saturday.

Limerick manager John Kiely was highly critical of the limit imposed that only 26 panel members can attend elite level inter-county matches under Government guidelines during the pandemic.

Mannion agrees that everyone should be present to cheer on the starting 15 in this weekend's All Ireland senior hurling quarter-final.

"Everyone is putting in the same amount of time training. For lads to be not allowed go on match day is very disappointing. Every team is in the same boat. There's no reason why everyone shouldn't be allowed go."

Galway were on top against Kilkenny in last Saturday's Leinster final, before two goals in a minute by TJ Reid and Richie Hogan propelled the black and amber to a two-point victory.

Mannion says it was a tough defeat to take, but with Tipperary suddenly on the horizon, there's no time for licking wounds.

"We were very disappointed. We knew there was a quick turnaround. You can't dwell on it too much. We have to learn from it. We have a second chance. The Galway footballers lost to Mayo, it was their first championship game and they are gone."

Despite the absence of crowds and all that brings, what was noticeable from the Leinster decider was the fierce nature of the clash of the ash between the Galway and Kilkenny players. Mannion confirms it felt like a regular Championship encounter.

"Once the ball is thrown in, it's the same as every other game. The intensity was a step up from the Wexford game. What we did last week won't be good enough for Saturday, we know that. It was a proper Championship game."

Galway and Tipperary have engaged in some brilliant, nail-biting battles in the All Ireland series in recent years, but Mannion believes that counts for nothing once throw-in arrives this weekend.

"There's a great tradition between Galway and Tipperary. Every year is different, every game is different. You just have to treat it with that respect. Going into the game, players won't be thinking of what has gone in the past. And this year is probably more different than any other year."

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