GALWAY GAA: “I’D BE VERY ANNOYED HAVING TO MISS OUT” – COMER 

It’s been a busy week for Galway football captain Damien Comer as he gets ready to lead NUIG in their first Sigerson Cup Final since 2003 against UCD. 

The GAA.ie Footballer of the Week scored two points in last Sunday’s National Football League encounter with Mayo before playing in the college’s Wednesday 2-12 to 0-15 semi-final victory over DIT.

Galway do meet Roscommon on Sunday in the Connacht FBD League Final though it’s unlikely Comer will be involved as Saturday’s game in Santry carries more importance this weekend.

But while Comer has the option to field in every game, the same can’t be said for Corofin duo Kieran Molloy (NUIG) and Liam Silke (UCD) due to a disappointing fixture clash that has their All-Ireland senior club football semi-final against Kildare’s Moorefield on the same day.

“It’s disappointing for us as a team as well as him (Molloy),” said Comer at Thursday’s launch in Trinity College for the Electric Ireland Sigerson Weekend.  But more so for him. He’s effectively missing out on the chance to play in an All-Ireland final. How often do you get that chance to play?

“Of course, you’re playing in an All-Ireland semi-final with your club which is great but you’re still missing out on an All-Ireland final and I’d be very annoyed if I didn’t get the chance because of my commitments to another part of the GAA. I think it’s very unfair on the lads.”

Molloy and Silke both contributed in their respective semi-finals.  Molloy came on before the final quarter and followed Eoin Finnerty’s second goal with a score.  While Silke also tallied upon his 50th minute arrival in UCD’s win over Ulster University that went to a double period of extra-time.

“Kieran would have probably played the full game if he was allowed,” added Comer.  “He loves it. He’s fitted in well with the lads. He wasn’t around early on in the year because of club commitments, but anytime he’s in there for us he’s given his all.

He’s going to be a massive loss to us and we’ll have to wish him the best of luck with his club. It’s just disappointing the way it’s worked out.”

NUIG beat UCD in their previous final 15 years ago but know they will be underdogs against the Metropolitan favourites boasting Young Footballer of the Year Con O’Callaghan.  But with numerous Galway seniors involved (17 Galway players in total), it augurs well for the year ahead.

“It’s the first year there’s actually been a very strong backbone of the NUIG team involved with Galway. I think there’s seven or eight panelists on the Galway squad, there’s an awful lot more from different counties and there’s a bigger spread.

“That’s definitely stood and confidence wise it builds them up to be very good players with NUIG so hopefully they can continue their form on into Saturday.”

NUIG take on UCD in the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup Final on Saturday (17th February) at 3.30pm in Santry Avenue.