Galway remain in the hunt to win a first All-Ireland title in 23 years, booking their place in the decider with a 1-14 to 0-16 victory over Donegal this afternoon.
It was a strong performance from Galway, who had too much for the Ulster side despite the close nature of the game. Their ability to take their scores in the final quarter proved to be the difference between the sides.
Padraic Joyce was in a jovial mood after the game, having led the county to a second All-Ireland final appearance in three seasons. Of course, he knows all too well what it's like to lift the Sam Maguire, having done so twice (in 1998 and 2001) during his playing days.
The man who led Galway to those two titles is sadly no longer with us. John O'Mahony, who crossed the border from Mayo to help his neighbours to a pair of Sam Maguire wins, would pass away last week.
While he is a huge loss to the GAA, the Galway players would pay a touching tribute to the great man ahead of today's game.
READ HERE: Michael Murphy Explains The Difference Between Galway And Donegal In Semi-Final
Explained: Galway's Touching Tribute To John O'Mahony
John O'Mahony's exploits with Galway were immortalised in the fantastic A Year 'til Sunday documentary, which chartered the team's journey to winning the 1998 All-Ireland title. It was the county's first in 32 years.
Prior to this afternoon's game, a video tribute to O'Mahony was played on the big screen on Croke Park. The Galway players responded by lining up in a 'v' formation.
14 July 2024; Galway players and management form a tribute to the late John O'Mahony ahead of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final match between Donegal and Galway at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile
The tribute caused a bit of confusion before the game, although this has now been cleared up.
Galway star Dylan McHugh would explain to the Irish Examiner's Maurice Brosnan that the 'v' represented 'vanguard', a nod to the manner in which O'Mahony helped revolutionise the sport of Gaelic football.
Dylan McHugh: "V for the vanguard. John'O was so ahead of his time. It was nice to honour him for what he has given to Galway football." https://t.co/ruYoVZMgv2
— Maurice Brosnan (@m_brosnan) July 14, 2024
A lovely touch.
Speaking before the game, Padraic Joyce summed up how much of an impact his former manager had on him during their time working together.
“Like a Father figure to me”
Pádraic Joyce pays tribute to the late John O’Mahony following Galway’s triumph over Donegal. #GAA pic.twitter.com/bPqvbKD7i9— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 14, 2024
A brilliant man.
Galway will now be hoping to pay the ultimate tribute to their former manager by claiming their first All-Ireland title since his time in charge when they face Armagh in two weeks.
SEE ALSO: Tomás Ó Sé Has On-Air Scrap With Sean Cavanagh Over His Kerry Comments
