[caption id="attachment_66637" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Galway's minor hurlers celebrate winning the All Ireland final at Croke Park on Sunday."]
JUST as the favourites went down in the big game, the same thing happened in the All-Ireland Hurling Minor final when outsiders Galway comfortably upset Dublin by 1-21 to 1-12.
We should have known that it's always madness to underestimate Galway at this level. This, after all, was their second minor title in three years and their sixth since 1999. Dublin, just like Tipperary in the senior encounter, just didn't perform up to their potential. They came up against a physically stronger Galway outfit that was much too good for them on the day.
As their manager Mattie Murphy explained, Galway put their bodies on the line throughout. They also had some exceptional individual performances, notably from midfielder Padraig Brehony and captain Shane Maloney.
Brehony finished with 0-4 from play, while corner-forward Maloney contributed 1-9, of which 1-3 came from play. If there is any consolation for Dublin manager Shay Boland it is that he will have 16 of his 30 strong panel available again next year.
McCarthy takes
handball title
ROBBIE McCARTHY has become the first Westmeath handballer to capture the All-Ireland Senior Softball title.
He defeated eight-time champions Eoin Kennedy from Dublin 21-19, 21-13 to clinch the title.
Connolly to play
DIARMUID CONNOLLY has been cleared to play for Dublin in Sunday week's All-Ireland Football Championship final against Kerry.
Connolly was sent off in Dublin's semi-final success over Donegal and received an automatic one-match suspension which would have ruled him out of the decider.
But Dublin appealed the decision on the basis that Connolly was unfairly treated. That appeal proved successful on Tuesday night and the talented Connolly is now available for the final.
Monaghan qualify
for women's final
MONAGHAN produced an outstanding performance to qualify to play Cork in the All-Ireland Ladies Football decider.
The defeated Kerry by 4-15 to 2-12 in the second semi-final, setting up what should be a top class final. After leading by eight points at one stage, they saw Kerry stage a comeback to go a point ahead in the second half.
But it was Monaghan who finished much the stronger with Caoimhe Mohan getting two vital goals and Cathriona McConnell finishing with 1-6.
