‘Make an impact straight away’ – Maher the latest bold Galway call to work out

Maher came on for Kieran Molloy after 22 minutes in Salthill. It is the sixth time that Galway have made a first-half sub from their ten league and championship games.

John Maher of Galway celebrates after the Connacht SFC final victory over Mayo. Picture: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

Did they always know it was coming? Not exactly. At times the glory days seemed way off in the distance. Few know what it is like to bounce back like John Maher.

The Galway midfielder was superb after his early introduction on Sunday as Pádraic Joyce’s side defeated rivals Mayo in the Connacht final. Midway through the first half they were three down and went in trailing 0-5 to 0-7 at the turnaround.