From Damien Hayes to Joe Canning: The stories driving Galway's All-Ireland dream

From heartbreak and folklore to pride and belonging, Galway's identity remains central to another All-Ireland hurling final campaign

Galway legend John Connolly: When he came along 'it was a dream beyond dream to represent your county like them.' Pic: Lorraine O'Sullivan, Inpho

THE ghosts. The grief. A Galway minor team sat in silence as Damien Hayes spoke about what it meant to him to play for the county, who he was representing and how he would carry the cup up to a grave.

Hayes was an immensely gifted minor when his brother Keith died in a car crash on his way home to collect training gear.