They spend a long time behind closed doors, the new All-Ireland champions. It is understandable. Underage is different to senior. Here, there is no next season. Some will return next year to defend the title, but the majority will move on.

But they won't forget this.

"We said we wanted a few crumbs from the top table and we are pleased to have got those," says John O'Mahony when the dressing-room door is opened.

"It's a great way for us to finish the season, but for these lads, in terms of their football future, it is just the beginning of something."

Galway and their beaten opponents Dublin copper- fastened the ties between this grade and the pathway to senior stardom. Senior All Stars and All-Ireland medallists gleamed from the match programme. Suddenly, under-21 became the fashion. Perhaps the depth of Galway's talent was enough to convince O'Mahony to commit himself to the county for another three years.

"Well, I didn't have to make a decision until after the under-21 season was finished, but I thought it was unfair on them that there would be a feeling that me making my mind up was riding on this.

"But look, in 30 years nobody is going to remember who the manager of this team is. But the players will remember it and deserve the credit. This isn't about me and I don't want it to be."

Galway captain Joe Bergin lounges elegantly against a wall in the corridor. It is the first time he has been still all afternoon.

"Things just seemed to go really well for us," he says shaking his head.

"Against the Dubs, you expect a tough game and it really was. We knew they would come back at us and in the second half there was a period when they were dominant. But fortunately we kept going until the final whistle."

Bergin has already achieved practically everything a player can in his sport and yet, in terms of age, he is just starting out. Although this is a smaller and more personal affair than the senior titles Bergin has already featured in, it is just as precious.

"I wouldn't like to compare. But this is a very special day," he says.

Dublin selector Dave Billings is standing halfway between his and the Galway dressing-room. He wears a philosophical smile. He has seen enough matches to know the way they break.

"Better team won it lads," Billings says, seeking out the losing players for a quick hug and chasing after the Galway lads he knows from college ball to congratulate them.

"They had the upper hand on us at midfield in the first half and controlled the game from there. We broke even in the second half but it wasn't enough. It was that simple."

Tommy Lyons makes one last visit to an opponents' dressing- room. He has a sombre look. The season has ended flatly and it hurts.

"We never got out of the blocks at all and that's the only way of describing it. At half-time, we just said look lads, we haven't performed. Let's go for it. And we got a bit of passion and drive into it, but we never really threatened Galway. We were outplayed in every facet. We needed a goal and it didn't look like coming. It is very disappointing."