Another tactical masterclass from Brian Cody's Kilkenny

Galway needed to be in touch as the game entered the crucial last ten minutes but they faded badly when they needed to kick on, having impressed when leading by three points at half-time.

I looked at the match clock 30 minutes into the second half and, at that stage, The Tribe had only added three points to their half time tally.

Only one forward, young Conor Whelan, had scored from play while the other two came from replacement half back, David Collins.