Galway's disappointment of suffering a second All-Ireland defeat in three years has been softened somewhat with a €20,000 donation to a team holiday from their sponsors Supermacs.
Supermacs have been Galway's chief backer for the last 25 years and in that time, the Tribesmen have lost six All-Ireland finals. But, speaking to the Irish Daily Star, Supermacs managing director Pat McDonagh insists that the alliance between Galway and the fast food chain, is in no danger of slowing down.
I don’t think people really appreciate the sacrifices these players make. They have put in a huge effort, not just this year but over the years to become top class inter-county hurlers.
McDonagh is well known as a passionate follower of the GAA and Galway in particular. This coupled with a quarter of a century of sponsorship and 6 All-Ireland losses means that he has certainly felt that pain more than most.
Commenting on the trip away for the hurlers, McDonagh believes this will give the players some much needed respite and a chance to regenerate before resuming their hurling duties.
The players are dejected, they gave it everything and came so close. And soon they will get ready to do it all again, so they deserve a break.
It’s the least they deserve after all the entertainment they have given us.
McDonagh has also advised Galway natives to leave all bunting and flags in place to support the Senior Camogie team who face Cork in the All-Ireland final this weekend.
