Galway bridged a nine year wait for Bob O’Keefe to cross the River Shannon with an emphatic win over a hugely disappointing Dublin challenge at Croke Park.
As Katie Taylor soaked up the half-time applause, it was Galway who delivered decisive knockout blows throughout this final. Dublin’s shape in transition blown to shreds.
Galway have flirted with this level of performance at the start of the provincial round robin campaign. Their opening round win over Kilkenny saw work rate, skill set and cohesion in full flow. The remaining fixtures saw challenges at different junctures.
Michael O’Donoghue has firmly placed his trust in the young prospects who all delivered today to a man. Galway setup to commit players in the middle third and movement for the player with the ball was striking throughout.
It was a tactic that completely bemused Dublin management and players as their zonal marking system was ripped to shreds. Galway’s middle third creating shooting opportunities for the open player.
Dublin forced to go man for man quickly and this provided space for Jason Rabbitte. It was looking at Dublin’s defensive shape when they faced Cork in the All Ireland SHC semi-final last year. It will be a video analysis nightmare for Dublin management.
Galway were full value for this win. Their first touch, team work and work rate with and without the sliothar stood out. Their opening goal emphasized team work and unselfish play. Rory Burke teeing up Darragh Neary to score the goal. Burke departed soon after but he contributed a key moment.
Dublin issued a second quarter response. O’Riain with a superb finish to inject life into the final. Galway guilty of passive defending with no pressure on the player with the ball. Dublin behind by four points at the break with the elements at their back.
Galway though the better side upon the restart. The middle third battle was all maroon and white. Dublin struggling to win primary possession and with Tom Monaghan in sensational form (0-7), points soon followed.
Conor Whelan, Jason Rabbitte enjoying splendid freedom as Dublin’s defensive shape deteriorated with each passing minute. Killeen, Burke and the Mannion brothers imperious. Cathal Mannion playing the roving role to perfection, picking Galway players in space time and time again.
Galway’s resiliency to the fore when Donal Burke slotted home his penalty to make it a six point lead. The reaction was to score 1-2 in the next five minutes. Niland with the penalty after Conor Cooney who impressed off the bench was fouled by Dunphy.
The ending of this final had the hallmarks of a challenge match. Galway and Dublin exchanging goals for fun at the death. Dublin were well positioned to secure this final win but there needs to be questions on the mental preparation.
Photo shoots with Lions players last week was a warning sign. The occasion took a life of its own and Dublin players and management failed to fire a shot in this final in anger. This will hurt Dublin hurling and with the injuries coming from the fixture, a fixture against Clare is not what was anticipated or wanted.
Galway also will need to contend with injuries. Glennon was wonderful at corner back with two superb points from play. Rory Burke’s running and movement will be missed if he is confirmed as an absentee for the All Ireland semifinal.
Galway are a beautiful enigma. When they play to their capabilities, they are a joy to watch. This win was built on hunger and never say die attitude. The Salthill reversal only three weeks ago was a factor and Galway management learned from the loss.
The Tribesmen are worthy Leinster SHC champions. A few weeks to repair the bodies and go all in for an All Ireland SHC final. The hope is that Galway supporters will now fully support this management and team. They deserve it after this provincial campaign.
Dublin’s regroup starts tomorrow morning and an All Ireland quarter final fixture with Clare awaits.
It is amazing what two weeks will do. Dublin were tipped for an All Ireland SHC final cameo but now face the possibility of an early All Ireland series exit to Clare. This will be a massive test for Dublin management to revive this championship season.