By Cian O'Connell

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It was exactly the response Galway craved following their Leinster SHC Final disappointment.

That provincial decider defeat to Kilkenny examined Galway's resolve, but the Tribesmen summoned a gutsy performance to beat Clare at Semple Stadium.

"Very satisfying, but from start to finish it was very workmanlike from our boys, I'm delighted with they way they performed," Donoghue remarked.

In recent weeks questions have been raised about Galway, but Donoghue wasn't overly concerned.

"Any day you get to a final, a provincial final, there are always people who are going to have comments and analysis of that, but with respect the only people that matter are people that we have respect for - family and friends and stuff.

"When we reviewed the Leinster final of course we recognised that there was lots of work we had to do, the past three weeks we worked really hard and I think they got their just rewards.

"We haven't made any big deal out of it - when a team loses there's always a bit of criticism, and Galway seem to get the lion's share of it from some of you guys. 

"We know when it's coming. We've worked really hard and I'm proud of the lads, we're looking forward to the All-Ireland semi-final."

Joe Canning's goal immediately after half-time was a pivotal moment. "It was huge, we didn't realise how strong the breeze was until we got to the ground. I suppose we were fortunate to get it in the first half, to build up the lead, and that goal then gave us the cushion that we needed. 

"It was inevitable that a Clare onslaught would come, but once we chipped in with a few scores I felt we'd be okay.

"In fairness to Joe it was a great finish, the angle he took the ball and where he shot from, it was probably hard to conceive of him shooting from there, but a player of his calibre is well capable of scoring from there. We probably needed that to create a platform from then on.

"In any game you want your big players on the ball, he's a huge player for us, as are all the lads who were out there, and near the end he was just sticking to his man. David McInerney finished the game strong and Joe stuck to him."
Canning's role in the win was highlighted by Donoghue too.

“He's a huge player for us," Donoghue admitted. "We are stronger as a group rather than the individual and we asked everybody to work no matter where that took them and I think Joe epitomised that in the second half. He has shown massive leadership.”