Galway’s loss of composure was understandable

Before I talk about the game I want to compliment the GAA on the whole package yesterday.

The All-Ireland senior hurling final is an event; if we can praise the London Olympic Committee for the pageantry and spectacle that was their opening ceremony, on a massive budget, then we can surely praise the GAA for the entirety of this presentation.

From start to finish it was superb, including the half-time entertainment. What a display by the dancers, and what great music from the Kilfenora Ceili Band. Best entertainment of all — and the way it should be — was on the pitch, and of course the presentation everyone came to see will have to wait for another day, Liam MacCarthy gone into cold storage for a few more weeks. Likewise the Irish Press Cup, the minor final also ending in a draw.