THIS SATURDAY, Micheal Donoghue will be aiming to guide the Galway senior hurlers into their third All-Ireland hurling final. Galway take on Cork in the All-Ireland SHC semi-final on Saturday at 3:30pm in Croke Park.

The Clarinbridge native will be hoping his second stint in charge can follow a similar path to his first stint in charge. During his first spell in charge, Galway's 2016 All-Ireland semi-final defeat was followed by an All-Ireland triumph in 2017. The Tribesmen were narrowly defeated by Limerick in the 2018 All-Ireland final. Donoghue return to the role last season and he will be hoping his second stint in charge follows a similar trajectory.

The Galway manager has recognised that interest and excitement have grown around the county in recent weeks and he is hoping that a big Galway support will be able to match the large Cork support in Croke Park this weekend.

“This team, as long as I've been involved in it, we totally recognise the importance of the connection with the team and the supporters. I think that's going in the right direction. It's not lost on us and our responsibility in that.

“We have to show the support, the workrate and desire. We understand the accountability and responsibility that's with us when we go out and represent Galway. I think the lads have done that really well and there's a great energy. It's grown now with the support over the last few weeks. Hopefully, it will continue,” added Donoghue.