Tribesmen end 29-year title famine with terrific final show

Galway 0-26

Waterford 2-17

WHAT’S rare is wonderful. Galway’s reputation as the best team in the land received its ultimate endorsement at Croke Park on Sunday when the Tribesmen were crowned All-Ireland champions for only the fifth time in the county’s history.

On a milestone day for Galway hurling – the first time ever the seniors and minors completed the big championship double in the same year – the men in maroon lived up to the hype by overcoming a gallant Waterford outfit in an absorbing struggle for supremacy. They had jittery moments and conceded a shocking second goal, but their hearts or minds never wilted.

Twenty-nine years of despair, heartache and near-misses were swept away as Galway finally ended their September misery with a classy and resolute performance which bookends a magnificent season – league, Leinster and now, most cherished of all, All-Ireland champions.

It’s doubtful if there has ever been a more electric atmosphere on the sport’s biggest occasion. The passionate rival fans turned GAA headquarters into a sea of colour and the crescendo of noise which erupted around the hallowed ground during the pre-match parade was probably unprecedented.

Galway and Wexford were both aching to end their respective long All-Ireland title famines and you could sense that craving in the stands. Together with the poignant tributes to the late Tony Keady, there was something really special in the air at a packed Croke Park on Sunday.

The former great centre-back would have been justifiably proud as Galway finally broke free from the lazy modern-day narrative of lacking the mental strength and fortitude to do their talent justice. They have been favourites to deliver the Liam McCarthy Cup back West since the start of the championship and have stood up to all that pressure in the style of champions.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.