Conor Whelan excited about Galway's potential
eir Ambassador Conor Whelan pictured in Croke Park celebrating eir's significant milestone moment in its network evolution, recognised by Opensignal as having Ireland’s No.1 5G network coverage. Now delivering 5G to 99% of Ireland’s population, eir was the first operator to bring 5G to Croke Park and continues to elevate the matchday experience for fans and players alike. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Click here to listen to the full interview with Galway senior hurler Conor Whelan.
By Cian O'Connell
A dozen years on the inter-county hurling beat, Galway's Conor Whelan is well versed in preparing for Championship action.
Saturday's Leinster SHC opener against Kilkenny will be a revealing encounter for two teams eager to make a significant impact in 2026.
Micheál Donoghue's panel is sprinkled with talented emerging players, who've dovetailed nicely with experienced campaigners recently. "It doesn't be long coming around from the back of the league, Kilkenny on Saturday, we're looking forward to that challenge," Whelan says.
"Those players have been there for the last year or two, they're putting their hands up now, challenging for places.
"It's great to see fresh lads coming through, getting their opportunity, and taking it. We're building on the back of a positive league, but looking forward to a huge challenge on Saturday."
Galway's Conor Whelan in Allianz Hurling League action. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
The fact that several of the promising players have been on the extended panel for a considerable spell is important according to Whelan. "I think it has definitely benefitted a lot of the players being around last year," he responds.
"Even, understanding the demands and the standards, what it takes, and they're learning a lot from others, developing and growing. That is very much part and parcel of it.
"I think sometimes with inter-county people are expecting to breakthrough straightaway from minor, where they do need that time to develop. We've seen that across counties, in general."
Kilkenny have claimed six Leinster titles on the spin. So, Whelan knows that Galway will need to be primed for a battle in Salthill. "They've been top of the pile for the last six years, they've shown the standards," Whelan says.
"We've come up short against them on numerous occasions. That's a challenge, it will be a huge challenge at the weekend."
eir has reached another significant moment in its network evolution, having been recognised by Opensignal as Ireland’s No.1 5G network coverage. Now delivering 5G to 99% of Ireland’s population, eir was the first operator to bring 5G to Croke Park and continues to elevate the matchday experience for fans and players alike. For more information visit eir.ie
