Impressive showing from Galen Riordan

Written by Antoin Ó Braoin, Rúnaí Contae
After taking a year out to concentrate on his educational requirements, Galen Riordan, Ballyhogue made a hugely impressive return to domestic action at St. Josephs yesterday evening when he opened his account in the county 40×20 junior singles championships with a 21-9, 21-11 win over Tony Breen, Templeudigan.

 
In a match he was expected to win handsomely in any event, it was the performance that was eye-catching as he appeared back to his imperious best in all areas of the court. The young Ballyhogue player had taken a break since running up in last years All Ireland 60×30 minor singles championship final where he came so close to beating the brilliant Paudi Quish, Limerick but before that he had enjoyed a terrific season by winning the All Ireland minor hardball singles and running up in the 40×20 All Ireland minor singles. Truly a prodigious talent and great for Wexford handball that he is back in action.
The only player in the county who actually deploys the sidearm style for all of his shots, Riordan looks a cert for this domestic title even at this early stage of the season but of course it’s in January that our expectations of him will rise to a more appropriate level as we face into the intercounty season.
Against Breen he looked ‘lean and mean’ and he was never in any danger of defeat. The Templeudigan player did stay close to him up to the halfway point of the second game but his all round attacking play was always capable of taking him clear.
He will have tougher tasks ahead in this county junior championship but on the evidence of this display he is well equipped to deal with all of them.