Duignan Makes Big All-Star Claim After Galway Forward's Masterclass v Wexford

Galway have made it two wins out of three in the Leinster senior hurling championship after beating Wexford 1-29 to 2-16. This sets up what will effectively be a Leinster semi-final against Dublin to decide who will play Kilkenny in the final.

Cathal Mannion carried on his fine form knocking over 0-17 (six from play) from a total of 19 shoots in another masterclass performance from the centre forward.

It was a superb performance that drew a big claim from Michael Duignan on co-commentary for RTÉ in Salthill.

As Mannion flicked over the last score of the game, Duignan said, “if the All-Stars were picked in the morning he'd be at 11."

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Speaking to RTÉ after the game, Mannion was delighted to get another win, but admitted that his side would be disappointed with the two goals they conceded in the second half.

For us, it was game three and our first home game. We’ve only got two home games, so we greatly emphasise that this week. We're delighted with the win and to get over the line.

It was more difficult in the first half with the wind cause we had to run it a bit more, and you could shoot a bit further out in the first half. We wouldn’t be too happy with the two goals when we look back, but we got a reaction and were happy to move on to Antrim next week.

It’s my job. I’m one of six forwards, so our role is to try and score on the board, work as hard as possible, and help the lads behind us. We move on now, it's just another two points for us today.

Mannion's former teammate Joe Canning isn’t surprised by his recent form due to his exceptional ball skills.

“It's phenomenal, it’s no surprise to me because you see him every day in training, he is a phenomenal striker of the ball, and anytime he gets a little bit of space, you can probably chalk it down that it’s a point.” Canning said.

Galway's 2025 has been a mixed bag, so it will be key for them to back up this Wexford win with two good performances against Antrim and Dublin. This win will effectively secure a top-three spot.

For Wexford, a loss next against Offaly could see them looking never sold over their shoulder at the Joe McDonagh, but then they have a certainty in a Kilkenny win to come in their final game as they have tended to up their game and get the better of the Cats in the last few years.