Donoghue still contributing to Galway hurling story
Galway senior hurling team manager Micheál Donoghue. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Click here to listen to the full interview with Galway senior hurling team manager Micheál Donoghue.
By Cian O'Connell
Cool and composed, Micheál Donoghue continues to serve Galway sport with distinction.
Exciting new chapters are being written in the Tribe hurling story with Donoghue a central character once more. A Leinster title has been collected and another All-Ireland SHC Final appearance looms.
Sunday's match against an accomplished and decorated Limerick outfit is the next assignment to embrace.
In the penultimate round, though, Galway delivered in style when defeating Cork. "That was the fruition of winning the Leinster title, we'd a month to prepare for it," Donoghue reflects.
"So, we'd a few weeks to regroup. The Leinster Championship is really taxing so the boys had recovery time and then we'd a big two weeks in the lead up to it.
"From our perspective, we were really happy with how the preparation went. They were in good form, and they transferred that into a great performance against Cork."
During the opening period, Cork enjoyed a productive spell. Galway didn't panic. "It was important that we got the good start," Donoghue says.
"You're not going to dominate the game for 70 minutes. You're trying to restrict the opposition.
"Cork showed the quality they had and tacked on 1-4 or 1-5, but I think just coming up to half-time was a really important period where we got a few scores just to bring it back to the bare minimum. It gave us a good platform to go into the second half."
Galway are back featuring in high profile fixtures. "I think that is a hugely important point, particularly with maybe the profile of the squad we have now," Donoghue responds.
"To get younger fellas, in particular, to play in meaningful games, where there is something to play. That's why the Leinster final was huge, and to win it gave them a great start.
Micheál Donoghue celebrates with kit man Tex Callaghan after Galway's All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final win over Cork at Croke Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
"The experience, then, of playing in a semi-final with a full house, hopefully will stand to them as we prepare for the final."
Franny Forde and Noel Larkin remain integral figures in Donoghue's managerial set-up with Aidan Harte also bringing considerable experience and knowledge.
Those in the extended backroom team are valued by Donoghue. "It's huge, the way we run the group my role is no more important than anyone else's role," Donoghue says.
"Everyone we have involved, be it on the medical or S&C, we deem them the best available. I think the players recognise that, everyone in the backroom team just does their job.
"Collectively, we come together on that, and my role is no more important than them. Everyone makes a massive contribution and we really appreciate that."
The victories help, too. "Absolutely," Donoghue responds instantly.
"Winning becomes a habit, and you become tighter, more energised, and want more of it. So, it's not lost on us, the opportunity that's in front of us."
To be competing at the highest level bodes well. "Big time and you've two facets to that," Donoghue remarks.
"From the teams point of view, when you're in finals, you want to win them. That obviously gives great confidence to the group.
"Obviously, then, with the supporters you get that connection when they're coming to support you.
"I've said this many times, we've always had a great connection with the supporters, and I think that has been growing and evolving more over the last few weeks."
