The curious mystery of Galway’s vanishing gap

Hurling aficionados love drama, an enjoyment forever in need of the unexpected.

Since a replay, by definition, is the unexpected, this weekend offers perfect pitch. Galway and Kilkenny move to Thurles for a rerun of last Sunday’s gruelling Leinster final. Aficionados are relishing the latest story, popularly known as ‘The Mystery of the Vanishing Gap’.

This tale began six weeks ago in Salthill, where grass and drama were equally scant. While Galway won by eight points, the day’s divide was closer in tone to double that margin. Once the All-Ireland champions clutched in the final quarter, the visitors stalled. Kilkenny were dogged but no more, scoring but 1-2 from play, the goal a buckshee effort in added time.