Tribesmen prepare for a double takeaway

THE uniqueness of Galway’s double participation in the Allianz National League finals is all the more interesting as qualification for both came on the same day and in the same ground.

Hurling manager Conor Hayes - a winning captain in 1987 and 1989 - had to make a quick calculation to ensure they had bettered Clare’s scoring difference (by two points) as their second-half recovery shattered Limerick.

And while John O’Mahony could confidently anticipate that his team would finally get the better of holders Tyrone after opening up a two-point gap near the end, it needed the final whistle to confirm their appearance.