Hayes’ Tribesmen come of age to win Croker classic
There was a stunning feast of goals which lit up this extraordinary contest from its frenetic start to breathtaking finish.
In different circumstances, Ger Farragher’s massive contribution of 2-7 in the first half-hour, combined with the hat-trick of goals from Niall Healy in a 12-minute period in the second half, would have all but guaranteed it much earlier. But, for all their shortcomings on the day, Kilkenny were never going to go down without a brave fight and right up to the bitter end there was the possibility of them forcing a draw.
