WATCH: Galway manager Daniel Moynihan: 'This was the aim at the start of the season'
“This was the aim at the start of the season, not something you would shout about at the start of the season, but privately as a group even after last year we felt that we are one of the better teams in the country and that we could get back to Croke Park. We are delighted to be back here again,” Galway ladies football manager Daniel Moynihan told Tribune Sport.
THE GALWAY ladies footballers have come close to getting their hands on the Brendan Martin Cup in the last two seasons.
Galway came up short in the 2024 All-Ireland final against Kerry and last year they suffered a heartbreaking All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Dublin after extra time. Last year’s All-Ireland semi final defeat to Dublin appeared to be a real setback considering they were in control for large periods.
But this year, the Tribeswomen came back with real intent, reaching the Division One league final. Cork narrowly defeated Galway in the Division One League final.
Kerry went about their business impressively defeating Tipperary and Kildare during the group stages of the All-Ireland championship. The Munster side then cruised past Meath in the All-Ireland quarter-final.
Kerry captain Siofra O'Shea and Jadyn Lucey scored 2-9 between them for Mark Bourke’s side in their 2-16 to 1-9 win over Dublin this weekend and they will take some watching in Croke Park on Sunday.
After a 22-year wait for the Brendan Martin Cup, Galway know the opportunity is there to end that drought. Kerry will provide the sternest test of their campaign, but Moynihan has struck an impressive balance between youth and experience, giving Galway every reason to believe they can finally reclaim the title.