Moynihan: 'It's been a journey but we've got there'

Galway ladies win second All-Ireland 22 years after their first

By Daire Walsh

Galway manager Daniel Moynihan said their second ever TG4 All-Ireland senior championship title was a reward for all the work put in over the past few years.

“Absolutely delighted, delighted for this group. It's been a journey but we've got there,” said Moynihan.

He said the win had nothing to do with revenge after losing the 2024 final to Kerry.

“It’s not that aspect. I think it’s two teams that are much changed from two years ago. Obviously, Kerry have a huge pedigree in ladies football as well, going for number 13. To be able to stop a team like that is definitely a fantastic thing.

“With such real talented players that are there and have been there for many years. They’re kind of half building and half rotating their group as well, but we’re delighted that we’re going away with that win.”

Moynihan said that Galway had strengthened as a unit over the past three seasons and had now got their reward.

“I think a lot of it is belief. I suppose it's been a journey for us within three years. You know, we started to build a panel in our first year and it was probably a level of luck, if you like, getting to the final.

“We probably weren't mentally ready, we probably weren't physically ready but come this stage now we knew that we were more than capable of getting a win.

“Just delighted that we've got a little bit of luck. We didn't get luck last year in the semi-final. We got it this year. They're such a positive group of players and they really came together this year,” said the victorious Galway boss.

A 58th minute point from Eva Noone was the difference between the teams at Croke Park as Galway bridged a 22-year gap to claim their second title.

Kerry manager Mark Bourke said he was proud of his side and just disappointed they came up short as he congratulated Galway on their success.

“Ourselves, Armagh, Dublin, Galway had a really good All-Ireland series. Two fell in the semi-final and it probably was going to come down to a one-point game. Something had to give, but that’s the way it goes,” said Bourke.

“Fair dues to Galway as well, you must take your hat off to them. I thought they had a great game. I thought we had a great game. There was players playing really good football for both sides and there was players that were trying to get into the game for both sides, but everyone just gave whatever they had on it.

“I’m not sure how it looked, but it was level at half-time. Really tight football, championship football and then it really increased there in the last 10 minutes of the game and it was great. Fair dues to Galway as well.”