Conor Whelan pays touching tribute to former Galway hurler who tragically died in 2013

Galway recorded an epic victory today.

The Tribesmen beat Tipperary 0-26 to 3-16 in the All-Ireland Hurling semi-final at Croke Park, with Galway hurler Conor Whelan scoring some vital points. In victory, however, the 18 year old's thoughts turned to a player who could've been alongside him at GAA HQ. Niall Donohue was part of the Galway panel that lost the 2012 All-Ireland Hurling final replay, and won the U-21 Championship in 2011, before passing away in tragic circumstances in October 2013. Whelan paid a touching tribute to the team's "Guardian angel" this evening.