Pádraic Mannion loves playing and competing
Galway's Pádraic Mannion pictured ahead of Sunday's All-Ireland SHC Final. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Click here to listen to the full interview with Galway's Pádraic Mannion.
By Cian O'Connell
"I just love playing," Padraic Mannion says ahead of the 2026 All-Ireland SHC Final.
Mannion is more than a decade on the inter-county beat with Galway, and his passion for the maroon and white endures. "Sometimes going back for pre-season the motivation mightn't be as high, but you get back for one session, and you realise you're nearly feel like you're meant to be doing this to make you tick," he adds. I just love playing and playing with this group.
"When you're going back training in November or December, this is what gets you going on the wet evenings."
Galway's blend of emerging and established players are enjoying the adventure. A Leinster title was followed by a splendid All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final win over Cork.
Now, a decider against a seasoned and decorated Limerick outfit looms at Croke Park. "We've started putting in a few more consistent performances," Mannion says.
"The support has been great - getting behind us. We're delighted to have given the supporters a few good days out, and hopefully we're not finished yet."
Micheál Donoghue's team has reconnected with supporters, who're also relishing the journey. "There is huge hurling support in Galway, and they love to get behind us," Mannion remarks.
"Micheál is huge on that, getting the supporters to get behind us. They like watching us play. Lads are just bringing huge energy, huge work rate, on the ball and off the ball. It's great to be playing when lads are giving that effort. Day in, day out at training, that's what we see."
A new wave of Tribe talent is being developed, but Mannion felt that this exciting crop of players would deliver at the highest level. "They're emerging, but I think everyone saw it coming," Mannion says.
Pádraic Mannion and Ronan Glennon celebrate following Galway's All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final win over Cork at Croke Park. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
"They were just so good at underage. Even they were with us last year in the squad, they were really good, took to it so quickly. It took very little time for them to bed in which is surprising enough for young lads.
"They're great people to be around. They just love hurling and playing, it's very enjoyable to be training and playing with them."
A first All-Ireland final since 2018 beckons for Galway. Some of the intervening campaigns have been demanding, but Mannion embraces every challenge. "You can't just park it because it takes a while," Mannion replies when asked about dealing with defeats and setbacks.
"It could take a couple of months. I think then you've the club - the way the season is. When you go back to the club, it definitely helps you. Once you play another game, you start moving forward again.
"We definitely had tough times, but ultimately only one team can win every year. So, there has to be something deeper than that driving you too. There has to be something deeper, I just love playing and love competing."
Donoghue's selectors and coaches continue to contribute to the Galway hurling story. "The standards Micheál sets for us and the lads he gets around him, people like Franny (Forde) and all of the coaches - everything is really good, really top level people," Mannion says.
"Micheál lets them do their job to try to get the best out of us. He really empowers the players. It's really enjoyable to be part of a team when Micheál is there."
