It's almost 30 years since Galway hurlers last claimed the Liam MacCarthy Cup and of the current crop preparing for the 2015 All-Ireland final, only seven players from the county's current squad were alive when that famous win took place (although one member of the squad did spend that day nestled in his mother's womb presumably contemplating his own quest for All-Ireland glory.)
Here's the magnificent seven and the other player who is technically of the pre-'88 vintage:
Iarla Tannian - April 12, 1984
Iarla Tannian was just four years of age when Conor Hayes picked up the Liam McCarthy Cup in 1988. And despite the number of miles he's clocked up in the Galway jersey, Tannian is still performing with the youthful exuberance of a teenager. It looked like he would never stop his Forrest Gump style run after beating Tipperary in the semi-final and his consistency at centre-back has been crucial to the Galway attack this year.
Andy Smith - July 8, 1983
Born just one year ahead of Tannian and built like a Trojan warrior, Andy Smith has been a dominant force at midfield for Anthony Cunningham. The Portumna man has cultivated a fine career of hurling for the Galway seniors throughout his 11 years of service and yet he has only two All-Ireland Semi-Final appearances in Croke Park under his belt.
Cyril Donnellan - October 29, 1985
It was the year Boris Becker and Martina Navratilova took top honours in Wimbledon. And just three months later, a centre-forward was born. He's had to battle back from two groin operations and was contemplating retirement at one point. But Donnellan's appearances to date suggest a rebirth in his game and that renewed vitality will be substantially tested when they face Kilkenny this weekend.
Colm Callanan - July 18, 1982
One of the older players from the pre-'88 category, Callanan was once the third choice goalkeeper for Galway. This year however, marks a notable transition in his importance to Anthony Cunningham's charges. He executed some impressive saves against Tipperary in the Semi-Final, and will undoubtedly be occupying the number 1 jersey for the final on Sunday.
Niall Healy - April 14 1985
Another man who has spent time in the casualty ward, Niall Healy was forced to retire from the panel before the Leinster campaign due to a torn cruciate in a club game for Craughwell. He has revived since then however and was dispatched from the bench in the concluding minutes of Galway's heavy win over Galway in the Quarter-Final. He played no part in the marginal victory over Tipperary, and it is unlikely that he will be able to rediscover his form in time for the All-Ireland.
Fergal Moore - July 7 1982
Unusual as it is for a corner back to captain a County team, Fergal Moore executed the role with aplomb in the 2012 season in which they captured their first Leinster title as part of provincial reshuffle. Born in the same month as Callanan, Moore has drifted somewhat from the starting 15 and appears to be playing a more peripheral role. The Turloughmore has lined out for the Minors and U21's and he also has an All-Star accolade to his credit.
James Skehill - February 22 1988
Skehill barely had the power to open his eyes by the time Galway accomplished that All-Ireland win. In the intervening years, Skehill has gone on to graft his way on to the Senior Galway squad, making his debut appearance in the 2008 season. He suffered a wrist fracture days before the All-Ireland Final replay in 2012 and although he courageously tried to play through it, he was replaced at half-time. Callanan has shouldered him out from between the posts since then.
And not quite born...
Joe Canning - October 11 1988
Within weeks of the 1988 All-Ireland, the prodigious talent that is Joe Canning was among the Galway populace meaning. And considering the extent to which Galway rely on his magic touch, it was fitting that his arrival coincided with the celebrations. But will he complete the prophecy on Sunday.
