Cillian McDaid hails Galway's defensive heroes
Galway's Cillian McDaid praised his side's defensive work, singling out Dylan McHugh and goalkeeper Connor Gleeson as his side's match-winners as they claimed a fourth consecutive Connacht SFC title.
The Tribesmen got the better of fierce rivals Mayo, running out 1-17 to 1-15 winners in a pulsating encounter at MacHale Park.
The visitors recovered from a bright Mayo start to take control of the game and had amassed and eight-point lead by the halfway mark.
However Mayo sprung out of the traps in the second half, eating into the Galway lead and by the 53rd minute the sides were level at 1-13 apiece.
Galway edged back in front but with just two minutes to go the game was in the balance as first Gleeson produced a stunning save to deny Enda Hession a certain goal before defender McHugh's incredible diving block prevented Paul Towey from scoring what would have been an equalising point.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport afterwards, McDaid pointed to those two moments as the deciding factor in the game.
"I know you've probably seen it but Dylan McHugh's block, that's the Connacht Championship," McDaid said.
"It's not a score obviously but it was a massive moment and that's the winning and losing of the game I think, that and Conor Gleeson's save obviously too.
"Connor Gleeson, for a goalkeeper, last year he kicked the winner for us and between the two lads, that's the winning of the game.
"We're always quick to praise the guys who put the ball over the bar, but they were incredible."
Victory in MacHale Park further underlines Galway's status as one of the favourites for Sam Maguire as they seek to go one better than last year when they fell at the final hurdle.
The Tribesmen are still far from being at full strength, with several key players to return from injury and when they do return, McDaid believes that being able to win without them is a sign of just how strong the squad is.
" We're obviously missing a couple of our, our forwards today, like in Damien [Comer], Shane [Walsh] and Johnny Heaney," he said.
"We love when they're fit and available, but I suppose the team is changing and no more than myself, we won't all be around forever.
"Mattie Thompson was unreal today as a young fella playing is his first really big championship game, so the panel keeps evolving and we just keep blooding new players.
"It's tough to see when they keep getting knocks and niggles. But we faith that they will get themselves right and when they're available then hopefully we'll find a place for them again."
Galway's Cillian McDaid, fresh from helping his side to victory over Mayo, joins the Sunday Game panel to give his immediate reaction to a fourth consecutive Connacht title. #RTEGAA #TheSundayGame
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) May 4, 2025
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