Galway manager Liam Sammon said that while he was disappointed with the outcome of Saturday's game, he was extremely proud of the performance produced by his players.

Colm Cooper, Kerry, in action against Garry Sice, Galway. GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Quarter-Final, Kerry v Galway, Croke Park, Dublin. Picture credit: Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE

Sammon, in his first year in charge, said that there was a lot for Galway to build on based on this display and their performances this season.

And he praised champions Kerry for their ability and strongly fancies this to retain their crown. "Kerry were brilliant. They just proved what a great team they are. Any team that is going for three-in-a-row deserves the respect and plaudits that they get," said Sammon.

The Galway manager said both teams deserved credit for the quality of the football they produced in extremely difficult circumstances.

"You would have to admire both teams out there. They gave their all in atrocious conditions. Fair play to the 30-40 players, they played magnificently. They deserve everyone's respect." He said that there were one or two occasions when he felt another Galway score might be enough to go on and win the game.

"I felt at one stage when we got the goal that if we had pressed forward and gotten a point or two more, we might have gone ahead.

"But that is the sign of a great team, any time they are under pressure that they are able to come back and score.

"Any teams that beats Kerry will win the All-Ireland, that's for sure. Looking back, I think that it has been a successful year for Galway as we brought on a number of young players," he added.

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