SILVERWARE hasn’t been mentioned at Pearse Park, despite the sparkling form of a Galbally team that sits unbeaten at the top of the Tyrone Division One table.
Manager Gavin McGilly is keeping his players’ feet firmly planted on the ground, insisting that the prospect of a first senior league title for the club has not been discussed.
Performance levels, week on week, are the priority, and the approach has served the Pearses well, with five wins and a draw from their six games to date.
“That wouldn’t even be a conversation, we just go after the next game in front of us,” said McGilly.
“That’s the way we approach it, and see where it takes us. It’s just game by game, and that’s the way it will be from now until the end of the season.”
The latest victory was achieved in the top of the table derby clash with Donaghmore, three points separating the parish rivals at the end of a high octane contest.
As the league takes a two-week break, McGilly is hoping to keep his squad injury-free in preparation for the resumption of a series that is set to become even more competitive as battles intensify at both ends of the table.
“I suppose a lot of things are coming together, and you just hope for a wee run with players without injury. That’s the key, and there’s a bit of luck in that too.
“So far we have been able to keep our players on the pitch, but with the programme that’s coming up in the next five to six weeks, you’ll need your full squad there.
“We’ll know the strength of our squad before the end of August anyway.”
With county players now back with their clubs following Tyrone’s exit from the All-Ireland series, points will be even more difficult to acquire in the weeks ahead.
“You’re moving into real top end contests now, with lots of those teams welcoming their county players back.
“We had big Cormac Donnelly representing Galbally in Tyrone this year. There’s nothing easy any day, and they’re definitely going to get tougher as the games move on.”
Championship time is coming into view, and with a first round tie against Loughmacrory to prepare for, consistency in the league will be important.
McGilly will not underestimate a Loughmacrory side that took eventual champions Trillick to extra-time and penalties last year.
“Loughmacrory is a team that would have eyes on going a step further. They were very unlucky last year.
“They have been close on a few occasions in the past few seasons, and you would never be underestimating Loughmacrory.”
