Month: September 2021

FORMER GALWAY HURLER Cyril Donnellan believes the Tribesmen are ‘very fortunate’ to have Daithí Burke patrolling the full-back position as Galway seek to defend their All-Ireland crown.

Source: Piaras Ó Mídheach/SPORTSFILE

Burke is tipped to collect a fourth consecutive All-Star this year following a series of exceptional performances at the heart of the Galway defence.

He has excelled on several occasions for Micheál Donoghue’s charges throughout the championship and also had an enthralling battle with Clare full-forward John Conlon in the draw and replay of the All-Ireland SHC semi-final.

“The summer of 2015, in a lot of the in-house games, I was centre-forward and Daithí was centre-back,” Donnellan recalls.

“I would have come across him a few times. He’s a great lad, he works extremely hard.

“His demeanour sometimes, outside of that, shows that he’s just a casual sort of lad, he’s very quietly spoken but he’s just an ultra competitor, just a great lad and we’re very lucky to have him.”

Daithí Burke

Source: Oisin Keniry/INPHO

Donnellan, who retired from inter-county hurling last November, added that Séamus Callanan’s 3-9 against Galway in the 2015 All-Ireland semi-final provided the catalyst for Burke to establish himself in the number three jersey.

“If you look back in 2015 when he was on the panel, he played most of that year at centre-back and it wasn’t until Seamie Callanan got three goals in the 2015 semi-final that from then on Daithí was nominated into the full-back position.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant.

Obviously there’s been no-one like him for the last number of years in a Galway position, but in regards to (the country), I think full-back is a very hard position to fill nowadays, you have to be mobile, strong and athletic and I think a lot of counties are struggling in that position.

“We’re just very fortunate to have him.”

Donnellan was restricted to more of a panel-based role in his last season with Galway including the All-Ireland final where he took his place among the substitutes.

Retirement had been on his mind throughout the year, but in the days after their Liam MacCarthy success, the Pádraig Pearses clubman briefly contemplated returning to the panel this year.

That was until a rib injury in a club game prompted him to step away, and ultimately led him to making the transition into coaching.

“I met Michéal [Donoghue] a few weeks later and he probably knew what I was coming with and asked me to see would I get involved in the coaching side of things with the 21s although he wasn’t the manager.

Donnellan celebrating with the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2017.

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

“Franny Forde is involved with both so that conversation developed, if I was interested he would contact the U21 manager for me. So I was delighted to get involved in that.

“From talking to past players, it can be a dip when you leave that and it’s a void you have to fill with something so I filled it with a bit of coaching. I’ve been busy with that. It’s been enjoyable but different. Obviously nothing beats playing but a great experience at the same time.”

He added:

“You have 20/21-year-olds there and even when I met Micheál I’d a list of all the forwards Galway have at the minute like and I just felt there was a few in the early 20′s there that could push on and placed all that on the table.

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When I was in there in the early stages of my career I was in there as a ball-winner and we have great ball-winners at the minute so that was the basis of my decision.”

Donnellan concedes that he does miss the inter-county game but as the All-Ireland final against Limerick draws near, he finds himself in the unfamiliar position of being able to enjoy the build-up and drink in the atmosphere as a supporter.

He worries about Galway’s recent habit of letting big leads slip in games but he’s impressed with how they have responded to each challenge as defending champions.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

“I feel that they’ve done absolutely brilliant to come back as defending All-Ireland champions.

“Obviously when you’re All-Ireland champions everyone wants to beat you and everyone that meets you meets you head on, fronts up to you, obviously that puts pressure on referees as well and the flow of games but I think they’ve dealt with all of that absolutely brilliantly to get back to next weekend.

“You’d be worried that Limerick are an excellent calibre team, what they’ve done in the semi-final and the Kilkenny game, those two games alone, like, it’s not impossible what they’re trying to do.

“The word is that they could be a small little bit naive, but naive in a good way, that they’ll just embrace the day and go at it because they’re a young team.”

Cyril Donnellan was speaking at the launch of the 2018 Croke Park Charity Challenge, organised by Alan Kerins in partnership with Self Help Africa.

The event will see people from the world of business, sport, media and entertainment partake in a charity sporting spectacle on the 23 October to raise funds for Self Help Africa. 

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MAYO’S JASON DOHERTY has expressed his relief that Stephen Rochford has decided to remain at the helm for a fourth season with the senior footballers.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Rochford committed himself to the Mayo football team after meeting with both the Mayo GAA Board chairman Mike Connelly as well as members of the Mayo squad recently.

The news comes after coach/selector Donie Buckley and goalkeeping coach/selector Peter Burke both decided to step away from the squad, while it’s also believed that selector Tony McEntee won’t be making a return for the 2019 season.

Doherty, however, is pleased that the Crossmolina native is staying on.

“Stephen has done some great work with us over the last number of years,” he said.

“We have definitely developed our game and new selectors coming on board will bring in new ideas and as a player you look forward to that, the anticipation of who will be in.

And as a player, it makes you look at yourself. One thing that Stephen has brought in is that nobody is safe whether you are there 15 years or six months.

“He constantly challenges you to question your own game,” added Doherty, who says he laughed off reports that Jim McGuinness was a possible candidate for the position should Rochford step down.

“You can’t rest on stuff you have done in the past. You have to be showing up on the Tuesday and the Friday before the game. He picks teams to meet the opposition as well.”

Mayo suffered a shock exit from the All-Ireland championship this year following a defeat to Kildare in the qualifiers.

It’s uncharted territory for this team but Doherty believes that the setback gives the players a chance to enjoy some quality time away from the game where they can explore other things.

Source: Oisin Keniry/INPHO

The dynamic forward has taken some time out from club duty with Burrishoole in order to refresh and recharge, while his Mayo teammates Diarmuid O’Connor and Conor Loftus have both moved to Chicago for the summer to play with the the McBrides club.

“I think it’s a huge opportunity for lads to reassess, re-energise and even to take a break from it for a while and get back with the club,” Doherty explains.

“We have been lucky to go on so late in the year that you are almost scrambling in the winter. By the time you play with your club, some players will go fairly far into the national competitions, that you are always scrambling for the holidays and time off in the winter.

One thing I have noticed is that you are saying yes to things in Whatsapp groups that you haven’t said yes to in about eight or nine years, whether it is meeting up with friends or going to the hurling semi-final, catching up with friends from college, weddings and stuff like this.

“You’re so used to saying you have training or a match. That’s been enjoyable, getting back into those circles.”

But there are some areas that Doherty feels the Mayo footballers must address when they reconvene for the 2019 season if they are to finally end their Sam Maguire famine.

Donal Vaughan after Mayo’s loss to Galway.

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

Defeat to Galway in the Connacht SFC forced Mayo to take the qualifiers route once again this season where they breezed past Limerick and stuttered over Tipperary before that fateful meeting with Kildare in Newbridge.

Injuries to key players like Tom Parsons and Séamus O’Shea were naturally a factor in their unexpected departure, but in truth, their form was patchy once again. And this time, they were unable to work their way out of a crisis to get back to the business end of the season.

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Mayo haven’t contested the Connacht final since 2015 and Doherty insists that they must become more competitive at provincial level if they are to pick up some momentum that will sustain them throughout the rest of the championship.

“Kildare turned up in Newbridge obviously and they were phenomenal. It’s not that we played tremendously poor either, we did a lot right but we made a lot of mistakes and they did enough to squeeze over the line and we ran a bit out of steam, which is slightly disappointing.

“But obviously we are well aware that there are areas that we do need to address to get further than that. First and foremost we need to perform in Connacht, which we haven’t done for a few years.

That’s more disappointing than anything. We need to get a bit of momentum there and not be relying on just expecting to land into the sun in the first weekend in August and then all of a sudden at Croke Park we’ll take off. We need to address that.”

Jason Doherty was speaking at the launch of the 2018 Croke Park Charity Challenge, organised by Alan Kerins in partnership with Self Help Africa.

The event will see people from the world of business, sport, media and entertainment partake in a charity sporting spectacle on the 23 October to raise funds for Self Help Africa. 

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HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP DAYS but with a different twist for Paul Browne.

In the 10th season of his existence as a Limerick senior hurler, he’s accustomed to being immersed in the heat of midfield battles.

When his cruciate snapped during a tackling drill in a training session in mid June, his 2018 playing involvement crashed to a halt.

The role of an observer has been something to adjust to during the thrilling recent wins over Kilkenny and Cork.

“I was helping out with the stats for the Kilkenny game. The last couple of minutes my hand was shaking, I couldn’t write down what I was supposed to be writing down.

“Croke Park is a different scenario so I couldn’t help out, I was watching. I was sitting with the subs and stuff, I actually thought I might go, I might pass out near the end of the game.

“I’d be a poor spectator anyway. It’s much easier to be involved and thinking about the moment. The tension, you’re like a supporter with the best seat in the house. I’m not worried about coming on, I’m not worried about the match or how it’s going.

“I’m watching the boys. You’re pucking every ball. When you’re playing you’re only hitting the balls you’re hitting. But I’m hitting every ball out on the field and it’s just not a good place to be.”

He’s a couple of weeks post operation now and is embarking on the road to recovery, detecting little signals of improvement with each passing day. There was never a temptation though for the Bruff man to cut his ties with the squad as this summer unfolded.

“I felt sorry for myself for a day or two you know but I suppose I’d a choice to make and I decided I’d better just not be sulking because I’d no place being around the boys if that was the case. I wanted to stay around with the lads so I suppose I haven’t missed a training or a match or anything.

“I wanted to be part of it. It’s my 10th season. I hadn’t experienced an All-Ireland final. It might not come around again.

Paul Browne was the victorious captain after January’s Munster league final win over Clare.

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

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“Who knows? I don’t know what’s going to happen next year or the year after with myself or with the panel. I am hanging on because I kind of knew what was coming. You get a feeling when it is like that.

“I haven’t had it before I won’t lie and I don’t know will I get it again after this year but sure look we’ll have to try and capitalise on it. I’m missing out on playing but I’ll get over that. I just want everything to go well on the 19th.”

The Limerick management have been keen to keep Browne in the group and facilitated a role for him.

“I’m trying to help as best I can. It’s amazing what you pick up when you’re not togged. You’d be watching other fellas and pick up on different things. A fella might be having a down day at training, you can have a word or a drill mightn’t go well, you could step in and say something.

“John and the team have been very accommodating to me as regards helping out and trying to utilise me as much as they can. I suppose it’s an extra pair of eyes for training and matches and people to watch out for. If I can only contribute 1% more, that’s enough for me.

“I’ve been part of everything and the lads have been very good in including me – texts after surgery, texts after it happened, inviting me up for coffees, teas, making sure the mood is good, asking me how I am at training.

“When they should be worrying about anything but me, they’re still worried about me which is a sign of a great bunch of lads. We’ve a good group, they’re nice fellas and just nice friends to have over the last couple of weeks.”

Browne could appreciate the milestone that was the quarter-final success over Kilkenny. He was present in 2012, 2014 and 2017 when Limerick’s hurling summers were cut by sides managed by Brian Cody.

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

“I remember talking to a couple of the young fellas, they had no fear of Kilkenny. I’m not just throwing that line out, they don’t have a fear. It was more the older lads might have been thinking that.

“Credit to Kilkenny that day. There’s no end to them at all. You could stay bating them all day and they’ll still keep coming and coming and coming. They’re an incredible bunch of men.

“We just managed to get the breaks, and Tom Morrissey that day, the point after the goal was huge for us. And that’s the kind of fellas we have on the panel, that’s what those young fellas are well able to do. He caught the game by the scruff of the neck, it’s what you dream of doing. He did it. He dragged us though.”

Browne’s day job entails working as GAA officer in Limerick IT. He’s a past student there and has come into contact with his share of Galway hurling figures over the years. He was pleased to see them get their reward last September but those feelings are parked next Sunday.

“Joe would have been the main one I would have known through college. Cyril Donnellan and one or two more that would have gone through before.

Joe Canning and Paul Browne in action together in the Fitzgibbon Cup in 2012.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

“Paul Killeen as well actually, a great fella. He gave me a text after the injury. He knows exactly what I’m going through. Paul is a lovely fella, nice lad, great leader.

“I’d say he’s only biding his time to get a shot at starting again. He was obviously starting when he got hurt and stuff, so he’s coming back really strong this year so it gives me good hope!

“Just honest, nice decent fellas. Work hard, always give everything. When we were together in LIT the boys did, and it’s just nice to see them get a reward. Obviously this year is a different story!”

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Updated Aug 15th 2018, 12:45 PM

GALWAY SENIOR PANELLIST Brian Concannon is set to be suspended for Sunday’s All-Ireland final after being sent-off in last week’s U21 semi-final while Tipperary’s Mark Kehoe has been cleared to play in their upcoming U21 decider against Cork.

Contrasting fortunes for Tipperary’s Mark Kehoe and Galway’s Brian Concannon.

Source: INPHO

There was contrasting  fortunes for Galway’s Concannon and Tipperary’s Kehoe who had hearings last night in the wake of the red cards they received in last week’s Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland U21 hurling semi-final at the Gaelic Grounds

Kehoe was cleared to play in the decider against Cork in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday 26 August while Concannon’s dismissal was upheld.

Concannon was sent-off in the first half of Galway’s semi-final loss for ‘striking with a hurley, with minimal force’ and the CHC found the infraction proven and imposed the penalty of a two-week suspension in the same code and same level.

The two-week ban was handed out for each applicable one-match suspension in the case of a player exiting an underage grade. As Concannon is not U21 next year and Galway have not reached the final, his ban applies to the same code (hurling) and same level (inter-county).

Concannon has the option of appealing against the decision of the CHC (Central Hearings Committee) by taking his case to the CAC (Central Appeals Committee).

The Killimordaly club man has emerged as a young attacking prospect this season at senior level. He started in their Leinster round-robin ties against Offaly and Kilkenny, scoring 2-1 from play against the Faithful, before coming on as a sub against Wexford and in the Leinster final against Kilkenny. Since then he has been part of the squad for the replay win over Kilkenny and the two-game All-Ireland semi-final saga with Clare.

Kehoe was dismissed in the second half of Tipperary’s victory for ‘behaving in an way which is dangerous to an opponent’. After requesting a hearing, the CHC found that infraction was not proven.

The decision is a major boost to the fortunes of the side managed by Liam Cahill with Kehoe having scored 1-1 in the semi-final success before he was sent-off.

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THE GAA HAVE warned that tickets being resold for prices above face value for the All-Ireland hurling and football finals will be cancelled.

A general view of Croke Park.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

A statement released this morning ahead of Galway and Limerick’s All-Ireland senior hurling showpiece on Sunday and the football decider between Dublin and Tyrone on 2 September reads in full:

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“Tickets for GAA All-Ireland Finals are distributed directly to our Clubs and County Committees.

“Any tickets being sold in excess of face value on touting websites that are brought to the attention of the GAA will be automatically cancelled.

“The Association also routinely monitors ticket touting websites and where possible, endeavours to establish the original source of the tickets, taking action where necessary.

“We look forward to the co-operation of our members and supporters in this matter and urge everyone to purchase tickets from official sources only.”

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ALL ROADS LEAD to Dr Hyde Park on Saturday 25 August for ladies football fans with an exciting All-Ireland championship semi-final triple-header on the cards.

A general view of Roscommon’s Dr Hyde Park.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

There’s an All-Ireland intermediate championship final spot up for grabs first as Meath and Roscommon go head-to-head (throw-in 1pm, live on TG4) before the two senior last four battles go down for decision.

11-time All-Ireland winners Cork meet Ulster champions Donegal in the first of the two semi-finals (throw-in 2.45pm, live on TG4) making for an interesting battle.

Both have looked strong through the summer to date and with some of the best forwards in the country on each side, it’s sure that this shoot-out will come right down to the wire.

Ephie Fitzgerald’s Rebels exited at this stage last year so they’ll be hoping to make amends and appear in Croke Park once again, while Donegal — bidding for a first-ever All-Ireland senior title — will be looking to also take that crucial last step.

The four senior semi-finalists.

Source: Seb Daly/SPORTSFILE

Holders Dublin and Connacht champions Galway then face off for the second coveted All-Ireland senior final spot on offer, with throw-in for that one 4.30pm (live on TG4).

The sides have had two interesting clashes in 2018 so far, going head-to-head twice in Division 1 of the Lidl Ladies National Football League.

Stephen Glennon’s Tribeswomen came out on top in their round robin fixture, but the Sky Blues edged past them thanks to a late, late goal and subsequent one-point win in the semi-final.

✅ *VENUE CONFIRMED*

🏆 @SportTG4 @TG4TV All-Ireland semi-finals

🏟️ Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon

1⃣ IFC: @RoscommonLGFA v @meathladiesMLGF 1pm
2⃣ SFC: @CorkLGFA v @DonegalLGFA 2.45pm
3⃣ SFC: @GalwayLgfa v @dublinladiesg 4.30pm#properfan pic.twitter.com/yd7tiAQjEs

— Ladies Football (@LadiesFootball) August 15, 2018

Saturday 25 August 2018

TG4 All Ireland Intermediate and Senior Semi Finals – ET if Necessary, all live on TG4

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• IFC: Meath v Roscommon, 1pm, Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon
• SFC: Cork v Donegal, 2.45pm, Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon
• SFC: Dublin v Galway, 4.30pm, Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon

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HURLERS FROM EIGHT counties that lit up the championship action in the 1990s will be honoured in Croke Park this Sunday on All-Ireland final day.

Traditionally the jubilee team is honoured 25 years on from their triumph, in between the All-Ireland minor and senior deciders.

Kilkenny were Liam MacCarthy Cup victors in 1992 and 1993, and after they were recognised last year, the GAA have opted to salute the star hurlers of the 1990s this year.

Offaly, Clare and Wexford each have three players apiece in the side. Martin Hanamy, Brian Whelehan and Johnny Dooley represent the Faithful while Brian Lohan, Seanie McMahon and Jamesie O’Connor are the Banner trio. The Wexford players selected are Damien Fitzhenry, Liam Dunne and Martin Storey.

Ciaran Carey and Gary Kirby are the Limerick duo to be honoured with Cork’s Brian Corcoran, Galway’s Michael Coleman, Kilkenny’s DJ Carey and Tipperary’s Michael Cleary completing the side.

A group of senior GAA correspondents under the chairmanship of GAA President John Horan selected the team.

The players honoured won a combined total of 26 All-Ireland senior hurling medals and 54 All-Star hurling awards during their careers. They will be guests of the GAA on Sunday and will be presented to the crowd in between the minor and senior finals.

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Hurling Team of the 1990s

1. Damien Fitzhenry (Wexford – Duffry Rovers)

2. Brian Corcoran (Cork – Erins Own)
3. Brian Lohan (Clare – Wolfe Tones)
4. Martin Hanamy (Offaly – St Rynagh’s)

5. Brian Whelahan (Offaly – Birr)
6. Seánie McMahon (Clare – St Joseph’s Doora Barefield)
7. Liam Dunne (Wexford – Oulart the Ballagh)

8. Ciarán Carey (Limerick – Patrickswell)
9. Michael Coleman (Galway – Abbeyknockmoy)

10. Martin Storey (Wexford – Oulart the Ballagh)
11. Gary Kirby (Limerick – Patrickswell)
12. Jamesie O’Connor (Clare – St Joseph’s Doora Barefield)

13. Michael Cleary (Tipperary – Nenagh Éire Óg)
14. DJ Carey (Kilkenny – Young Irelands)
15. Johnny Dooley (Offaly – Seir Kieran)

The selectors were: John Horan (Uachtarán CLG), Martin Breheny (Irish Independent), Sean Moran (Irish Times), Michael Lyster (RTÉ TV), Brian Carthy (RTÉ Radio), Jim O’Sullivan (formerly Irish Examiner), Martán Ó Ciardha (Iar RnaG), Sean Bán Breathnach (RnaG).

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ALL-STAR HURLER Ollie Moran believes Limerick will be ‘very conscious’ of Galway’s recent habit of stuttering over the line as the sides prepare to meet in the All-Ireland SHC final.

Ollie Moran pictured illustrating pride in his county colours at a media day ahead of this weekend’s GAA Hurling All-Ireland Final.

Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

The defending All-Ireland champions struggled to secure victories in their last three championship outings after building up convincing leads against Kilkenny and Clare  respectively.

Limerick on the other hand produced a strong finish in their semi-final clash with Cork, rallying from six points down in the closing stages to force extra-time and ultimately secure their spot in a first All-Ireland decider since 2007.

Moran believes Limerick have the resilience to survive any challenge that Galway bring to Croke Park, but stresses that the Shannonsiders cannot allow their opponents rush off into an early lead.

“Galway have gotten off to very good starts in their last three games and again ultimately, that’s what won out the day for them,” says the Ahane clubman.

“They were probably faltering in the last three games and hanging on really.

I think Limerick will be very, very conscious of that. I didn’t think Limerick started particularly well against either Kilkenny or Cork.

“Now they weren’t behind and they didn’t get any sucker punches but I feel they cannot afford to give Galway a start. That’s an absolute no-no for Limerick.

“They’re the more experienced team, I think the last thing you want starting an All-Ireland final is to be facing an uphill battle and trying to get momentum and try and get back on top of a team of Galway’s quality.

“I think they’ll be acutely aware of it as well.

“If we can ask enough questions and get scores at the right times and be well in the game coming down the stretch… I do feel we need to be ahead coming down that last 10-minute stretch because Galway are the more experienced team and they’re well conditioned.”

Shane Dowling.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

Limerick’s decision to close themselves off from the ‘hype’ and excitement has become a discussion point in recent weeks.

Shane Dowling asked for fans to ‘leave the players to focus’ in his post-match interview after their victory over Cork, while manager John Kiely has insisted that ‘hype is for supporters.’

Moran, who lined out for the Shannonsiders in the 2007 final, says the external hype had no negative impact on their preparations for that meeting with Kilkenny and suspects that the cautious approach might be rooted in Limerick’s defeat to Clare during the 2013 championship when they were expected to win that tie.

He understands that Limerick people naturally want to celebrate qualifying for a first All-Ireland final in over a decade, but he also backs Kiely and his team for how they are handling their own build-up.

“Look, they’ve a job to do and they’re job isn’t to please the public. They don’t have a duty to go out and meet spectators or meet the press or do events.

Both Pete Finnerty and Ollie Moran have teamed up with Guinness as part of their GAA campaign ‘Bound Together.’

Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

“They’re putting their heart and souls into achieving their goals and their goal is to be as successful as they possibly can. Ultimately, that’s going to bring massive happiness to the county and I think that’s been the message.”

He added:

“It’s not that people are coming in on the space or anything like that but I just feel [the message is] ‘let us prepare the way we normally do and let us go out and do what we’re supposed to do and that is perform on the day.’

“I would absolutely applaud John Kiely and the management and maybe the players too. I think the players to be fair, are very, very relaxed, and they’re very grounded.

Moran in action during the 2007 All-Ireland SHC final.

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

“I don’t think they’d be very fazed by it but at the end of the day it’s an All-Ireland final, it’s a huge occasion, it’s massive for a county like Limerick as I said. But look, keep a lid on it and hopefully we’ll be celebrating Monday on and they’ll make up for it.”

1973 is the last time Limerick won the Liam MacCarthy Cup and they have suffered All-Ireland final defeats on five occasions since then.

Moran is confident that the players won’t be burdened by the 45-year gap, but says they must make the most of this opportunity to end the famine while they have it.

“I do think that the form this team is in, they have to strike while the iron is hot.

“In Limerick we’re aware you don’t get these opportunities every second year.

We’ve lost five All-Ireland finals since we won the last one, so that’s certainly something that they need to be aware of, that you’re not there to get experience for the next time you’re there.

“Make the most of it when you’re there.”

Hurling legend Ollie Moran has teamed up with Guinness as part of their GAA campaign ‘Bound Together’ which celebrates the power of the GAA to unite, and heroes the fans and their passionate commitment and connection to their local communities. Enjoy Guinness sensibly. Visit www.drinkaware.ie.

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GALWAY HURLING LEGEND Pete Finnerty fears that Limerick will have a superior bench than the Tribesmen for their All-Ireland final showdown this Sunday [throw-in, 3.30pm].

Shane Dowling scoring a penalty for Limerick in their All-Ireland semi-final.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

Limerick’s substitutes made a notable impact in their All-Ireland semi-final victory over Cork, with Shane Dowling converting a crucial extra-time penalty while Pat Ryan also found the back of the net after being sprung from the bench.

Finnerty has been impressed with their contribution to Limerick’s overall championship campaign and has also observed that Galway struggled in this area in their All-Ireland semi-final clash with Clare.

They’ve made an impact every time they’ve come off the bench and they have a stronger bench than us being honest,” says Finnerty.

“When we had to replace Gearóid McInerney, we had to bring a forward back to do it. We had no obvious direct swap and if Gearóid is playing on Sunday and he is fit but his leg was to go again well, then we’re going to be down a forward.

Pete Finnerty illustrating pride in his county colours at a media day ahead of this weekend’s GAA Hurling All-Ireland Final.

Source: Dan Sheridan/INPHO

“Ok we have [Jason] Flynn to come in and maybe Niall Burke to come in or Jonathan Glynn or whoever starts.

But if you take another man out of that and bring in one, you only two marquee forwards to bring in then.

“When our subs come in this time, they have to perform because we can’t let a lead slip again like we have against Kilkenny and Clare.”

While Finnerty has concerns about this aspect of Galway’s game, he was pleased with the character they showed against Clare the first day out when All-Star talents including McInerney, Joe Canning and David Burke were all on the bench at a crucial stage in the game.

Joe Canning receiving medical attention during Galway’s All-Ireland semi-final clash with Clare.

Source: Tommy Dickson/INPHO

“You have to give credit to Galway the day that we were two points down and a few minutes to go in extra-time, there was a time you looked at the bench and you looked at five All-Stars who were injured or taken off.

“Johnny Coen missed an easy point to win the match and still he had the guts and determination to throw it over the bar to put us a point again.

“They showed an awful lot of character under an awful lot of pressure that day and I know they have ran it close at times. But nine games is a lot too. We would be hoping that some of the Limerick lads would get caught in the headlights and mightn’t turn up on the day.

And we’d be hoping with our experience and our forward power, when we click, we can be virtually unmarkable at times but doing it for 20 or 25 minutes is not going to win an All-Ireland.”

Finnerty was a vital defensive cog in the Galway team who secured back-to-back All-Ireland titles between 1987 and 1988.

He quotes their famous manager Cyril Farrell when he says that ‘there’s no winter when you win an All-Ireland’ on account of the celebrations and good times that sustain the players through the dark and cold nights.

It was an experience which Finnerty and his crew were able to enjoy over successive Christmas periods before a 29-year drought set in.

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Finnerty and the Galway team of 1987.

Source: Billy Stickland/INPHO

The Mullagh clubman opines that All-Ireland success helps a player ‘ grow up a little bit and get a bit more mature.’ He saw it in his own teammates at the time and he is seeing history repeat itself among the current Galway players who are seeking to emulate those successful teams of the late 80′s.

“I can even see it in Adrian Tuohy and John Hanbury, lads like that that weren’t maybe that confident maybe two years ago or a year ago. They’re now playing with a different panache and different style,” he says.

It would be an incredible feat if they win on Sunday. It’ll be their ninth game and nobody else has had to play nine games to win an All-Ireland. Back in our day we probably would have three All-Ireland finals won for nine because we only really played three games if we played three at all.

“So it would be an incredible feat to put back-to-back All-Irelands with such a tough and fantastic campaign.

It’s something special to do the second one because not many teams have done [it] outside of Kilkenny. They were an exceptional team and we were blessed to see them. There is a lot of pressure, but they’re capable of doing it as well.

Hurling legend Pete Finnerty has teamed up with Guinness as part of their GAA campaign ‘Bound Together’ which celebrates the power of the GAA to unite, and heroes the fans and their passionate commitment and connection to their local communities. Enjoy Guinness sensibly. Visit www.drinkaware.ie.

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Updated Aug 15th 2018, 9:34 PM

Source: INPHO

IT’S ALL-IRELAND hurling final week and a novel pairing with Galway and Limerick taking centre stage on Sunday in Croke Park.

Galway ended a 29-year wait for the Liam MacCarthy Cup last year, Limerick are aiming to end a 45-year barren spell this year.

Both counties have had their share of final outings but can you recognise some of the stars from those teams that previously featured in deciders?

Test your knowledge.

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