KENNY SALUTES GRIEVING JAMES
BOSS Mattie Kenny hailed the bravery of James Madden after powering Dublin to their biggest win in over two years.
Defender Madden played a key role in Dublin’s landmark Leinster SHC semi-final win - a day after burying his father Noel.
He wasn’t in the official line-up but wore No.18 and lasted 68 minutes of their most significant win since beating Galway in June 2019.
Chris Crummey’s (inset) 53rd minute goal was crucial though it was a win for the collective with leaders all over the field.
Goalkeeper Alan Nolan pulled off a string of saves, Conor Burke was man of the match at midfield and captain Danny Sutcliffe starred in attack, sniping 0-3.
Galway never got going and talisman Joe Canning was surprisingly off-colour, striking six of the team’s 14 wides.
Conor Whelan did cut the gap to two with a 43rd minute goal but Crummey and co shut the door with Dublin’s major 10 minutes later.
On Madden’s courage, Dublin manager Kenny said: “It was massive, it just shows you the character of James Madden.
“He laid his Dad, Noel, to rest yesterday. I talked to him a couple of days ago and he said that his Dad would want him to play.
“Obviously what he’s gone through over the last two or three days, it would take a lot out of you physically and mentally.
“But it just shows the courage of the lad and the type of player and character he is, to be able to give a massive performance out there.”
There was high emotion for Kenny too as his brother-in-law, Mike Flanagan, will be buried tomorrow. Galway were talked up as serious All-ireland contenders after the League but turned in a flat performance and must rebuild in the qualifiers.
They went for goals early on but Canning was twice denied and Nolan thwarted Conor Cooney too. Dublin put 3-31 on the board against Antrim last weekend and simply picked up where they’d left off, roaring 0-6 to 0-1 ahead.
Superstar Canning eventually found his range as Galway reeled off four points in a row but Dublin still led 0-8 to 0-6 at half-time. The second half panned out upon similar lines Dublin starting brightly, Galway recovering and the Sky Blues ultimately finishing on top to secure a July 17 final spot.
Dublin were five clear when Whelan did brilliantly to burst beyond Paddy Smyth for Galway’s goal.
That reduced the gap to two but they couldn’t get any closer as Dublin picked off enough points to stay in control – despite Eoghan O’donnell limping off with a hamstring injury.