Galway have booked their place in the All-Ireland semi-final this evening, defeating Tipperary on a scoreline of 1-18 to 1-16 at the Gaelic Grounds.
Heading into this game, many struggled to separate the two teams. It was seen as a very even contest, once that could go any way due to the quality in both squads.
That turned out to be the case, although Galway will feel that they probably should have won by a larger margin. They certainly created the best chances, although they quite often failed to take them.
In the end, Conor Whelan played a huge role in deciding the outcome of the game.
The 26-year old was in top form in Limerick, putting in a stunning display that featured some moments of pure brilliance.
It didn't lead to a score, but what a catch this was by Conor Whelan! Follow the second half of Galway v Tipp here:
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📺Watch: https://t.co/CLbCibTO88 #sundaygame #RTEgaa pic.twitter.com/AYfpi9SrbG— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 24, 2023
As well as that, he scored the goal that ultimately proved to be the difference between the sides.
Just seconds after the start of the second half, he turned his man in a dangerous area before burying the ball in the Tipperary net.
A perfect start to the half for Galway as Conor Whelan rattles home a goal
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Whelan was rightly named man-of-the-match for his efforts.
Joe Canning throws Jackie Tyrrell dig after Galway win
Conor Whelan is a player that has split opinion at times, even as recently as in the last few weeks.
At halftime in the Leinster final against Kilkenny, Jackie Tyrrell would label the Galway forward as a one-trick pony. After Whelan went on to have a stormer in the second half and be named man-of-the-match, he admitted he would be forced to eat some humble pie as a result.
It seems that those comments have not been forgotten.
Speaking on RTÉ after the game, after Joe Canning was asked to confirm the man-of-the-match, he couldn't help but poke fun at the comment made by his fellow pundit on that occasion.
Yeah, the one trick pony Conor Whelan.
Especially in the first half when Galway needed scores, he was tormenting everyone. Cathal Barrett got moved off him, there isn't too many players he gets moved off.
That just shows the effect he was having on the fullback line.
He definitely enjoyed that comment.
To be fair to Tyrrell, Whelan has hit incredible heights over his last 105 minutes of inter-county hurling, putting in the type of performances that we have not seen from him on too many occasions in recent seasons.
Galway supporters will be hoping that can continue moving forward, starting with the All-Ireland semi-final against Limerick in two weeks.
SEE ALSO: Joe Canning Not Convinced By Brendan Cummins Leinster Excuse For Dublin Issues
