Cathal Mannion encouraged about Galway's development

Click here to listen to the full interview with Galway senior hurler Cathal Mannion.

By Cian O'Connell

"These are the days you train for, and the days you probably play hurling for from a young age," Galway's Cathal Mannion says as the 2026 All-Ireland SHC Final against Limerick edges closer.

Sunday's eagerly anticipated decider at Croke Park will see Micheál Donoghue's exciting Galway outfit play in a first hurling showpiece since losing to Limerick in 2018.

What are some of the key ingredients for Galway's significant improvement? "A lot of young lads have joined the panel in the last two years, in particular," Mannion says.

"Obviously, they're a year older this year, they're just excellent young lads on and off the pitch. Then, there is a game plan, and we're trying to get better each day. You gain momentum from certain wins and so on, at this stage it's game by game.

"For the whole Championship, it is really because games are on every week or every second week, the round robin, in particular. You keep looking forward and trying to get better day by day."

Triumphing in Leinster provided a drop of encouragement for Galway. "It did, probably it mattered a lot for the older lads as regards we hadn't been there in a while," Mannion responds.

"For the younger lads, it was excitement- that was their first bit of silverware at senior level. It's a relatively new group because there has been a good transition throughout the last number of years. It was very special for the group as a whole."

A versatile player, capable of operating in a number of different roles, Mannion will embrace whatever task afforded to him by Donoghue and his management team. "I played a lot at midfield growing up anyways," Mannion says.

"As a modern midfielder you're expected to help out at the back and get forward, if possible. So, it isn't an awful lot new to me, I just try to do what I'm asked, and do it as best I can."

Mannion is satisfied that Galway are relevant again. "It is special - definitely," Mannion says.

"You probably bring the experience from the previous years with you. There is a lot of hype probably going on outside the group, but our job as players, we just want to get back on the pitch, to look forward, to get better. Everything else outside takes care of itself, then."

Donoghue's influence is considerable. "Some of us have been with them back from 2016 to 2019," Mannion remarks.

"Obviously, then the younger lads have integrated, the expertise they bring and the professionalism. There is a great energy around."