Galway manager Pádraic Joyce had high praise for his side after their impressive win over Roscommon in the Connacht Senior Football Championship semi-final on Sunday.
2-11 to 0-12 was the final score at Dr. Hyde Park with Paul Kelly and Matty Tierney getting the goals for the Tribesmen.
Speaking to OTB Sports at full time the Galway boss said it was great to get the win, especially in the difficult conditions.
"It was tough, the underfoot was tough. There was a big shower of rain there before the off.
"It made ball-handling tough, your passing has to be very accurate.
"Unfortunately, ours wasn't at the start, it makes sidestepping all the more difficult for fellas and it's easier to defend in it, to be honest."
Galway will now face the winner of Mayo and Leitrim as they look to win their first provincial title since 2018.
Sunday's difficult game will stand to Galway and Joyce had particular praise for the opposition.
"I've been down here several times before - as a player, manager of the U20 teams before and you never get anything soft in Roscommon, they're a proud footballing county.
"Anthony [Cunningham] had his team very well set up.
"It's a pity, they're great young lads, some good players, it's a pity they haven't got a back door to try and progress again because they won't see football again now.
"I'm not just saying that, it's the same for any team that gets knocked out, it's not right but there's nothing we can do about it and we got the win and we're happy enough."
Matthew Tierney finishes the ball in the net for @Galway_GAA v @RoscommonGAA in the Connacht Senior Football Championship Semi-Final #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/H75oJc9MUe
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 4, 2021
Joyce, who is now in his second year managing the county's senior side, was pleased with the performance of the youngsters in his side.
A number of these would have played under Joyce during his time managing the U-20s.
He had particular praise especially for Matthew Tierney who scored 1-3 on his senior debut.
"Brilliant player, a brilliant debut in fairness to him.
"There's good pedigree in his family.
"His dad [Matt] was a great player as well, his brother Enda was involved a while as well. He's a great lad.
"All our young lads today I was very proud of them, they showed great character, great resilience."
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
