Anthony Cunningham made history in Pearse Stadium on Sunday as he became the first inter-county manager to win provincial hurling and Gaelic football titles in two separate provinces.
In his native county, Cunningham led Roscommon to a remarkable result. It was tetchy and tenacious. As much about steel as it was skill. Epitomising their showing was the belligerent brothers, the Dalys.
The trio set the physical agenda early on and drove their county to go blow-for-blow in a rain-soaked Salthill.
Niall and Ronan both kicked scores but their main contribution alongside Conor was in reducing a talented Galway forward line to a halt. Just two second-half scores proved crucial as the home side failed to deal with the relentless pressure.
Speaking post-match, Cunningham was quick to cite the siblings.
It's great to have the brothers on the team. They bring that fight, that bit of extra tenacity. Very intelligent footballers. A great score by Niall, he had one on in the first half and didn't commit to it. Reminded him for the second half to have a go at it because he can do it.
Proud Roscommon boss Anthony Cunningham gives his reaction after winning the Connacht SFC #rtegaa #GALROS pic.twitter.com/mAfc99mYHj
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) June 16, 2019
