Tribe too powerful, admits Dubs boss

SEAN LANE was downcast but in no way distraught!

The Dublin manager was gracious in defeat in Croke Park yesterday after seeing his team lose to a much more experienced Galway, but he was looking on the positives. Getting back to the final after 35 years, a Leinster title along the way and the hope of building on the good work done at minor level all represent further hope for the future, he suggested.

However, whether or not he will be involved next year is another matter. “You’re not going to ask me that question are you,’’ he said in response to the obvious question about his own future.

Lane, who has Galway connections, had no hesitation in admitting that the best team won, that the favourites were indeed ‘the better side,’ and that they were ‘exceptional’ on the day.

“They were physically very strong. I thought they opened us up at the back very, very early and I think that was the difference between the teams right through. I can’t even remember the final score but I do remember near the end that the total of scores were equal on both sides. But hats off to Galway.

“They were the better side, far more physical, bigger, much more accurate from play. I have no complaints.’’

He had no difficulty in accepting that his team was vulnerable from the time they conceded the early goals, saying: “We were fighting an uphill battle at that stage. We had a plan to try and stay level for 15 minutes but that’s the way sport is. It can be cruel sometimes.’’

And, he didn’t hold out much hope of a revival after his team had eventually settled down, to score five points without reply in a seven-minute period.

‘‘I don’t think it made an awful lot of difference. Galway were the better side and I always felt that when we did get some way close to them they were able to put their foot to the metal again and go a little bit further ahead.’’

Qualifying for the final for first time since 1972 gives hope of an eventual breakthrough, he feels.

“We have a Leinster title under our belt, the first time in 35 years.It’s progress. It’s not where we wantto get to but we’ve a long, longway to go and that was shown to us today.’’