Galway hurlers not getting carried away after Leinster final win says Conor Whelan
CONOR WHELAN’S move out to the half forward line caused the Dublin defence all sorts of problems in the Leinster Hurling Final.
For the majority of the round robin series Whelan has played in the full-forward line. However, Micheal Donoghue made the decision to move the Kinvara clubman into the half forward sector and he appeared to find himself in more space.
Whelan landed five points from play and he played a key role in Galway’s first goal turning over Dublin captain Paddy Smyth in defence and off loading the sliotar to Rory Burke who set up Darragh Neary and he coolly drilled his shot past Eddie Gibbons.
“Yeah, I suppose I've been fortunate enough over the last couple of years that I've kind of been pivoting between both so I suppose it all depends on how the game is going, and it kind of opened up early on for me. I was fortunate enough to end up on a few balls and then you go inside for a while and change it up,” Conor Whelan told Tribune Sport.
“I suppose I'm fortunate that I've had the experience now over the last couple of years to be able to go in and outside. I think the way we're playing and playing through the lines, it definitely means that you're getting on the end of the ball more.
“Everyone is doing their job and our six forwards are very fluid, people can rotate and change. We can put people inside and outside and that makes things easier and you're there to do your job I suppose.”
The 29 year old did admit that it was satisfying for Galway to end their eight wait for the Leinster senior hurling championship title.
“Yeah it's massive for the group. We obviously set out at the start of the year to win the Leinster championship as we've done numerous times, but there was just a feeling this year that things were different.
“You could see early on in the League that we had a clear game plan and style of play and I think it's fairly fluid and players are able to come in and do a job. We picked up injuries today but we still had lads that were able to come in and do the job, look it's a massive win for the group,” said Whelan.
Overall, the former team captain felt the Galway senior hurlers delivered strong performances during the round-robin series.
“We still fought back against Dublin in the round-robin series against a very strong wind in Salthill and we probably didn't get enough credit for that really. And obviously we got stung with a last-second goal but overall, our Leinster campaign was very strong.
“I think we definitely saved the best for today and that's the aim of the whole championship, to come here to Dublin playing on a perfect pitch with this game plan and going and executing it.”
The Galway forward received a black card after colliding with Dublin defender Eoghan O’Donnell on 55 minutes during the Leinster final. The two-time All-Star felt the black card was harsh.
“To be honest, I thought it was very harsh. At the time I collided with him, he did hit the ground but I thought there was a covering defender there. That's a refereeing decision, I was shocked really.
“But credit to the boys, they stepped up and I think we ended up winning a free and a penalty in the next two plays so that put a bit of breathing space and it made it a little bit easier sitting on the sideline.”
After winning the Leinster title, the Galway sharpshooter believes it’s important not to get carried away ahead of the All-Ireland semi-final.
“That's what we've been striving for all year and in fairness to Micheál, he's pushed us after every game saying I think there's more in ye. Credit to the young lads coming in, there's a nice blend there and it just looked very good today.
“Obviously it's never as good as you think when you win and it's the same when you lose so we're not getting too carried away, there's obviously a massive game coming up in four weeks,” added Whelan.