All-Ireland hurling final: Galway need ‘a good start’ against Limerick – Burke

Experience will be key though, with the new generation led by 19-year-old Jason Rabbitt – man of the match in the semi-final win over Cork – and Aaron Niland.

Donoghue, who guided Galway to their last title, returned to managing his native county last year after spells with Dublin and Burke impressed with how he combined youth and experience.

“They’ll definitely be trying to shut down the Rabbitohs and feel that if they do they’ll have a good chance of beating us, so we’re hoping Niland can come away with a couple of scores,” Burke said.

“He (Donoghue) has thrown in young lads this year: Cillian Treyers at the back, Rory Burke who looks like he’s going to be out and that’s a big loss, Cian Daniels who’s a bit bigger than the younger lads. Then you’ve got the lads from the last few years like Tom Mann (Monaghan), Darren Trance and Darren Morris coming in this year.”

Donoghue also developed a game-plan that blossomed as the championship went on.

While there were some up and down displays in the Leinster round robin, it all clicked in the final against Dublin and the All-Ireland semi-final against Cork.

“It requires huge strength and work rate, but it creates space for the half-forwards,” Burke noted.

“It’s down to the players and it’s obvious what ‘Wheelow’ and Cathal (Mannion) are doing for the team.

“The last day, they caught Cork out at half-time and brought Cathal back on and they probably weren’t ready for that.

“It’s also down to Donoghue and the little changes he’s used to making in games, but it’s hard to get the message across because there’s no ‘Maor Fourne’, but he’s got Wello and Cathal that he’s able to help change the game.”