Saturday afternoon at Croke Park was a massive one for Dublin, who managed to topple Galway and claim a spot in the Leinster hurling final for the first time in seven years. It was an emotional day for many in Croker, not least for defender James Madden.
Madden's father Noel passed away during the week, and his funeral took place on Friday. Madden was on the Dublin bench for the clash with Galway, and a minute's silence was held before the game for his father, as well as manager Mattie Kenny's brother-in-law Michael Flanagan.
A minute’s silence being held before throw-in here at Croke Park for Noel Madden, our Senior Hurler James’ father, who passed away during the week.
And also for Michael Flanagan, brother-in-law of our manager, Mattie Kenny.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílis 💙 pic.twitter.com/GPUwcoQjc9— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) July 3, 2021
Madden had originally been named to the subs bench but started in place of Séan Moran in the Dublin half-back line. Madden played 67 minutes and played a huge role in Dublin's big win over Galway today.
Mattie Kenny praises strength of James Madden
Manager Mattie Kenny was interviewed after the game and paid tribute to Madden, who came off the bench in the 67th minute to add to a tremendous defensive effort from Dublin.
Huge, huge courage that James showed. His dad passed away and was laid to rest yesterday. To come out and put in a performance like that today just shows you the type of person and the type of man he is, the type of player.
To his mum Helen and to his sister Áine, I'm sure they're very very emotional at home today. My own brother-in-law is being buried tomorrow, all the Flanagans down there in Leitrim.
It's for them, both of them families today.
🗣️"Huge courage that James showed. His dad passed away and was laid to rest yesterday. To be able to come out and put in a performance like that just shows the type of man he is..."
Mattie Kenny paid tribute to James Madden after Dublin's win over Galway. pic.twitter.com/ASLYScSFqY— Sky Sports GAA (@SkySportsGAA) July 3, 2021
Kenny himself deserves immense praise for leading the Dublin team to a memorable win in what has been a very difficult week for him and his family as well. The emotion of the day for Dublin was on another level, and the team were ecstatic on the field at the final whistle.
Mattie Kenny also praised goalscorer Chris Crummey. Crummey's goal came at a crucial stage of the game for Dublin, and gave them breathing space in the closing stages, and Kenny thinks that his performance against Galway should remove any doubts about his ability going forward.
We're not having any debate. Chris is a very good hurler, he's so versatile. He can play anywhere from the half-back line all the way up the field. Look, in the modern game players have got to be flexible and adaptable and play in a number of positions - Chris is one of those top, top players who can do that.
It was a perfect Saturday in Croke Park for Dublin, thanks in no small part to the efforts of James Madden and Mattie Kenny. Their strength in a difficult week is commendable, and it's put Dublin in a very exciting position in the Leinster Championship.
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