Big Dan the man for the big stage
Shanahan must have been frustrated on the sideline as the game appeared to be slipping away from the Déise. His younger brother Maurice had been introduced earlier and for a while it looked as if Dan would make no contribution. Eventually, with six minutes of normal time remaining Dan was introduced at full-forward. He announced his arrival with a trademark catch, moved smartly to his left but shot too quickly on the turn and dragged it wide. However, you could see Dan’s enthusiasm and it was evident that if he could get the right ball he would do damage. He had a height advantage and huge experience over Eugene McEntee, the Galway stand-in full back.
With a few minutes left Dan made a great catch and his astute pass to Shane Walsh got the crucial goal for Waterford and they were back to within a point. He was then fouled over on the left and Eoin Kelly, who gave a great performance from frees, knocked over the equaliser.
