GAA News

Given the influence Henry Shefflin wielded in the All-Ireland Final, it is no surprise that Galway manager Anthony Cunningham is hatching a plan to curb his influence.

By Declan Whooley

The ace forward was back to his sublime best in the drawn game despite only scoring one point from play during the 70 minutes. His free taking, ability to win possession and draw frees as well as clever use of the ball dragged the Cats back into a game that seemed to be slipping away.

Cunningham has acknowledged that plans must be put in place to deal with the Ballyhale Shamrock’s man as a repeat performance could spell disaster for the Tribesmen.

“Henry Shefflin orchestrated all the moves from centre-forward," he said. "He was pulling the strings there and that's definitely an area we're going to concentrate on, because his influence on the game was tremendous the last day,” he is quoted as saying in today’s Irish Independent.

The Galway manager also reported a clean bill of health ahead of the replay. Full-back Kevin Hynes shipped a heavy knock in the drawn encounter but has recovered fully, as has Iarla Tannion. The midfielder was man-of-the-match last time out but needed medical treatment on his ankle on a number of occasions during the game.