So funny…
Galway are All-Ireland Champions. The wait is over. The celebrations are underway. Liam is making his way to Connacht for the first time since 1988.
There were many fine performances on the day. If the result had been the other way, you’d have to think that Jamie Barron would have been man-of-the-match, such was the strength of his performance.
He contributed scores, workrate and a tigerish desire that has been a hallmark of his performances all year. The fact that he was sick with the flu all week makes his display even more impressive.
The second nominee for man-of-the-match was also the Sunday Game’s selection for hurler of the year, Gearóid McInerney. The man-mountain at centre back and the rock (along with Daithí Burke) on which this Galway defence was built.
He took on Austin Gleeson in Croke Park and while he copped some punches and emerged with a bloody-nose, it was the Oranmore man who had his hand raised at the end.
As it was, David Burke was deserving of the award having stood up on the biggest stage of all and led his county to the win, contributing four points from play from midfield. All four of the midfielders can be proud of their performances on the day in what was a colossal battle in the middle of the park.
We could mention many, many more. John Hanbury. Noel Connors. Kevin Moran. All had great displays.
But Burke was not to be denied on the day, and he was presented with the award by Michael Lyster at the team hotel.
However, a lot of eagle-eyed viewers at home knew where the award was going a couple of minutes before it was announced, as spotted by Dave O’Regan, thanks to the not-so-subtle placement of the envelope with the winners name.
Did you spot it? Take a closer look at the envelope and you can see that the name “David Burke” is clearly written on it.
Although, we’re pretty sure many people had Burke picked as the destination for the award long before they saw this moment on The Sunday Game.
