Micheál Donoghue Left In Awe Of Galway Star After Their Leinster Triumph

Galway manager Micheál Donoghue revealed that Daithí Burke feared he had dislocated his knee during the Leinster final before returning to produce yet another warrior-like display in Galway's 4-29 to 4-15 victory over Dublin.

The five-time All-Star was forced off in the opening half after suffering an injury to his right knee and initially feared the worst.

Yet after receiving treatment and some strapping from Galway's medical team, Burke returned to help Galway secure their first Leinster title since 2018 and first championship win in Croke Park since 2020.

Speaking afterwards, Donoghue could not hide his admiration for one of the county's biggest leaders.

He thought he actually dislocated it and went back again.

That's just a testament to the man he is. He's a bear.

The 33-year-old's importance to Galway was highlighted while he was temporarily off the field. With Burke receiving treatment, his direct opponent John Hetherton got his clearest goal opportunity of the night, only to be denied.

Once Burke returned, Galway regained control and never truly looked in danger.

The Tribesmen were excellent throughout, with Tom Monaghan producing a sensational display, finishing with 0-7 from play. Conor Whelan added 0-5 as Galway's movement and pace repeatedly caused Dublin problems.

Donoghue was particularly pleased to see experienced figures such as Burke, Whelan and brothers Pádraic and Cathal Mannion finally get their hands on provincial silverware again after an eight-year wait.

Galway struck the first major blow when Rory Burke helped create a goal chance that Darragh Neary finished after Dublin defender Paddy Smyth was dispossessed by Whelan.

Although Rory Burke's afternoon ended after just 13 minutes due to a hamstring injury, Galway continued to dominate.

Dublin briefly rallied through Conal Ó Riain's superb first-half goal and reduced the deficit to two points, but Galway immediately responded and led 1-15 to 1-11 at the break.

The game was effectively decided during a dominant third quarter.

Galway doubled their advantage to eight points, with Monaghan and Whelan continuing to torment the Dublin defence. Even a controversial black card for Whelan and a penalty converted by Donal Burke in the 56th minute failed to derail them.

Aaron Niland's late penalty and a Conor Cooney goal completed the rout as Galway secured a convincing fourteen-point victory in front of 46,463 spectators.

The result sends Donoghue's side directly into the All-Ireland semi-finals, while Dublin must regroup quickly ahead of an All-Ireland quarter-final meeting with Clare.