By Cian O'Connell

This was exactly the response Galway craved. The Connacht Senior Football Final defeat to Roscommon was a significant setback, but Kevin Walsh’s charges were primed for a battle against Donegal at Markievicz Park.

A surprise 4-17 to 0-14 victory ensured the maroon and white brigade left the Sligo venue encouraged.

“It was great to get the win, we needed it,” midfielder Paul Conroy stated. “We all know how disappointing the Connacht Final was and we needed to prove a point that we aren't as bad as we were the last day.

“We didn't show it on the day, but it is nice to get back on the road. Getting to play Kerry in Croke Park is a great challenge, you will see where you are at.”

“Definitely, it is going to be a massive challenge, they are one of the top teams in the country along with Dublin and Mayo. It is great to be there, though, you will really see where you are playing the likes of them.”

Conroy combined well with Tom Flynn at centrefield for Galway with the St James’ clubman acknowledging the importance of sheer graft. “Yeah, it is funny, sometimes you get the breaks, sometimes you don't,” Conroy remarked.

“Last week we got a lot of stick out there, the breaks didn't go our way. We just had to go back to hard work, to graft, thankfully it went well for us and the team got some good scores.”

Galway were eager to atone for the Roscommon loss, but Conroy admits the trip to GAA headquarters will be revealing.

“You have to be motivated after a performance like that (Roscommon), it was a long week, it was a long two weeks actually. We couldn't wait to get out on to the pitch, I think we proved a bit. We will see where we are really at next week.”