Round 2 of the European Hurling Championship in Luxembourg this weekend. We’re two days away and still unsure of our travelling party such is the volatility of it all! Guys have dropped in and out all week but there is a strong core there. Regular readers will be aware of how I love retelling the story of 2009’s tournament down there and the epic final that ensued. I’ll spare you again and just assure you that the 2.5hr drive down will be filled with those thoughts.
Complacency will be our first battle to overcome. Our opponents haven’t been able to match us to date but the unpredictability of all the comings and goings in Europe mean you just never know who will roll up. On paper at least, Den Haag could be strong if they travel in force whilst Zurich and Paris remain unknown quantities, even though their brighter lights from the past remain.
On our side will be the Galacticos, returning after missing the Hague tournament. Last year, we showed we could win down there without them, this year they must show they can help us do the same. It’s the likes of Hough, Eoin and Darragh I refer to and they will add some serious weight (in some cases) and firepower (in other cases) to the forward division.
We’ve got a good bit of hurling done in recent weeks and had a decent session in the baking heat last Saturday morning so we will be as prepared as any of the teams. The make-up of our defence has some question marks in terms of who plays and getting the mix right will be key. Considering our goal-getters at the opposite end, if we keep the green flag stuck in the ground behind our own uprights than we’ll have a good chance of bringing home the cup.
Momentum is everything but it feeds on victories. Saturday is important in keeping it going. There is no room for complacency. You play every tournament like it’s the last you will play together; not because it’s a great rallying call but because it’s a fact. Take every opportunity, take nothing for granted.
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