Jason Rabbitte stands out in Galway's All-Ireland hurling final defeat to Limerick
Darach Fahy 7Made two superb saves in first half, without which Limerick would have been home and hosed by half time. His first stop from Gearóid Hegarty three minutes in was certainly a save of the year contender. Has had better days with his puck outs, but he can reflect on an excellent year overall.
Joshua Ryan 6
Hasn’t faced a forward division of Limerick’s calibre before, and he will learn a lot from the experience. Provided gallant resistance in the second half in the white heat of Limerick’s onslaught. Ventured up-field late on and won a penalty. Displayed great heart and battling qualities.
Cillian Trayers 7
Galway’s best defender on the day, Trayers produced a defiant second half performance under immense pressure. One of the very few Galway players who did his job to an impressive level during this final. He can be very pleased with his first year as a regular starter for the Tribesmen.
Darren Morrissey 6
The captain picked up Aidan O’Connor for long spells and competed valiantly. Lacked nothing in terms of heart and effort throughout, but he was part of a back line which was under serious pressure. Didn’t get a chance to make his usual forays into attack.
Padraic Mannion 5
One of only four Galway players to have made over 70 championship appearances, he had a fairly solid first half but struggled significantly after the break. His opponent Cathal O’Neill took home the man of the match award.
Daithí Burke 6
Another player to have made his seventieth championship appearance this season, he battled to the end, as always, in the face of enormous Limerick pressure. A class act, who went out on his shield.
Ronan Glennon 5
Didn’t manage to get up-field as often as usual, due to having so much defensive work on his plate. Nevertheless, he was one of the few Galway players to successfully link the play on occasion, though not quite as effectively as usual. Second half dismissal was unfortunate but shouldn’t take away from what has been an outstanding season.
Tiernan Killeen 5
Had some good moments but struggled to have the same influence which he had in previous games. Limerick’s midfield pairing of Lynch and English were dominant and Killeen didn’t manage to get on as much ball or impose himself in the manner we have become used to seeing. A big learning experience for a player with a huge future in maroon.
Gavin Lee 4
Found the intensity of the middle third tough going. The physicality Limerick brought to the engine room of the pitch was a level above anything he would have faced this season. Struggled to have an impact, but he remains a highly talented player who will be better for the experience of his first All-Ireland Final.
Tom Monaghan 6
Struggled to hit the heights of previous games, particularly in the first half. Nevertheless, he struck two second half points and looked to be growing into the game when he was surprisingly taken off. Can count himself quite unlucky to be called ashore in the 55th minute when he was far more productive than many of his teammates.
Cathal Mannion 5
Had Limerick known before this final that the impact of Galway’s talisman would be minimised to the extent that it was, they would have felt they were halfway to winning. Provided a few good moments, but his overall influence on the game was a fraction of what we are used to seeing.
Darragh Neary 5
On the periphery during the opening half, he scored a tremendous second half point and was much more involved after the break. Will be disappointed with the goal chance he sent wide but never stopped taking the fight to Limerick. Another player with a big future at this level.
Conor Whelan 4
Very little went right for him on the day. Had one of those games where the harder he tried, the less things seemed to run for him. A very disappointing afternoon, but Whelan remains one of the top forwards in the game and will continue to be vital to Galway’s cause in 2027.
Jason Rabbitte 8
The strongest full back line of the last ten years was unable to cope with him during the opening half. Casey, Finn, and Nash all took turns trying to stop the giant full forward to little avail. Galway’s scoring threat would have been almost non-existent without him in the first half. Less effective in the second half but always looked a threat on the ball, creating a goal chance for Neary and a half chance for Killeen.
Aaron Niland 6
Flawless from placed balls and toiled diligently. Looked sharp in possession and can be reasonably pleased with his first All-Ireland Final appearance. Unlucky to be called ashore in the 60th minute.
Substitutes:
Conor Cooney 6
Got involved in the play and provided a few moments of quality after being brought on, not least his superbly struck penalty at the death. Unfortunately, the contest was beyond the Tribesmen by the time he saw action.
Cian Daniels 5
Got on the ball on a few occasions after being introduced and worked hard. Will be disappointed to have struck a wide, but his best days are yet to come in maroon.
Colm Molloy 6
Looked sharp and pacey in the last ten minutes, chipping in with a point and was involved in the play which led to Galway’s late penalty.
John Fleming 5
Worked hard after his introduction but the result was beyond doubt by the time he came on.
Seán Linnane n/a
Not on long enough to be rated. Worth noting however, that his return to Galway colours this year after a serious illness has been a testament to his character and resolve.