Dan Shanahan: Galway must go to another level to beat Limerick
FORMER Waterford hurler Dan Shanahan said something stood out about the Galway senior hurling team when the Deise played them during the National League in March.
Shanahan was a selector with the Waterford senior team under Peter Queally this season. He was also part of Derek McGrath’s management when Waterford were narrowly defeated by Galway in the 2017 All-Ireland final.
“It was disappointing up to that day, I don't think Galway would have beaten Waterford much in league or championship. Everything Galway hit that day went over the bar, some exceptional scores.
"As disappointed as I was, to see Joe Canning finally get his All-Ireland medal, another Galway great, was unbelievable. On the day, we nearly did everything right but we were caught by an exceptional Galway team managed by a great man,” Shanahan told Tribune Sport.
Galway eased their relegation concerns with a 2-18 to 0-16 victory over Waterford in round five of the National League. The defeat left Waterford facing a tense fight to avoid relegation to Division 1B for the 2027 season.
“No excuse, we probably weren’t prepared right. We stayed overnight, we usually don’t do that, but it was no excuse. We came to win that game, the winners were probably staying up. Galway outfought us, outworked us, it was as simple as that.
“Again it was just something I saw in Galway, the way they took the game to us, missing a few key players. It was the way they went about their business, they really dismantled us. It was the worst hiding we got all year.”
Shanahan feels momentum and Galway trusting their system are two factors that have stood out for the Tribesmen this season.
“I think Galway have every chance in this game with the momentum they have. The way Galway are playing, they trust their system, they trust their manager. That’s a big thing, one of your key values is trust.
“They need to just relax now, no better management to go in now and keep their feet on the ground and their head on their shoulders knowing the two previous games are gone and there is another massive game coming.”
According to Shanahan it is vital for Galway to retain possession from their own puckouts and not let the Limerick half back line of Diarmaid Byrnes, William O’Donoghue and Kyle Hayes get on top.
“It’s something that Galway will look at but I’m a big fan of always getting your own ship in order. Tom Monaghan can't get under a high ball with Kyle Hayes, same on the other side with Darragh Neary on Diarmaid Byrnes, let's be honest about it. Then you have Will O’Donoghue in the middle.
“The big thing for me is what Galway do from their puckouts, do they go short, try and pass out the ball or will they go long into Rabbitte and get numbers around him? They have a lot of options and can hit the ball into space where the likes of Tom Monaghan, Conor Whelan and Aaron Niland can run into space,” added Shanahan.
He expects a closely contested All-Ireland final but believes the Shannonsiders will come out on top. “I think it’s going to come down to a bit of experience on the day, I would give Galway a great chance with the togetherness and hunger they have shown. I just feel it will be a one or two point win for Limerick.
“I don’t think Aaron Gillane is going to be taken off four days in a row, if he is, Galway will win the All-Ireland. I think John Kiely’s players have a lot more improving to do. And the Galway players will still have to go to another level to beat Limerick,” concluded Shanahan.