'IT'S JUST GAL' SO EXCITING!'

JOE McDonagh Cup final hero David Qualter says facing Galway in next year's Leinster SHC will be a particularly special moment for him and his family.

- BY PAUL KEANE

Free-taker Qualter blasted 13 points at Croke Park to help Kildare secure a breakthrough tier two title win, returning them to the MacCarthy Cup race for the first time since 2004.

The Maynooth clubman is the grandson of Galway great PJ Qualter who, ironically, lined out in the 1975 National League and All-Ireland finals alongside Joe McDonagh, scoring a goal in both deciders.

David's father, Paul Qualter, is a Turloughmore stalwart too, while his uncle, Seamus Qualter, had spells in charge of the Westmeath and Roscommon senior teams, as well as Ireland's hurling/shinty side.

"My Dad is Turloughmore and growing up I would always imagine myself playing for Galway nearly when I was out on the green playing hurling with the lads," said Qualter. "That's what we're trying to be now for the young Kildare hurlers, a team to look up to and aspire to.