Shane McGrath hails Galway's new-found character and grit after win over Kilkenny
After finding a renewed surge at the death to claim victory, the character shown by Galway in their win over Kilkenny in Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League was what impressed Shane McGrath the most, as Micheál Donoghue looks to put his stamp on the side in his second coming as manager.
In the end, the Tribesmen prevailed by 2-19 to 1-19, but only after they let an eight-point advantage they had at one stage slip, with an Eoin Cody goal putting the Cats in front for the first time on 62 minutes. However, an unanswered run of three points from frees by sub Jason Flynn, followed by one from play in the 72nd minute from Conor Whelan, saw Galway eventually claim the spoils at UPMC Nowlan Park.
The nature of the performance from Donoghue's men was in marked contrast to their opening-round defeat to Tipperary, a display marked by much lethargy.
Darren Morrissey, Pádraic Mannion, Gavin Lee and Conor Cooney returned to the starting XV for the trip to the Marble City, with Daithí Burke and Jason Flynn amongst the subs. Declan McLoughlin, operating in the full-forward line, bagged 2-02.
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"It was chalk and cheese from the Tipp game," was Shane McGrath's summation of Galway performance, when speaking on the latest RTÉ GAA Podcast.
McGrath went on to single out those who shone brightest a week on from that no-show against the Premier.
"Gavin Lee was unbelievable at centre-back and because Lee was unbelievable at centre-back, Pádraic Mannion was unbelievable at wing-back. And you had quality