Cunningham has full confidence in final ref Kelly

Galway hurling manager Anthony Cunningham says he and his team have “no fears referee-wise” ahead of the All-Ireland final against Kilkenny.

Cats boss Brian Cody stated earlier this week that he hoped there would not be an over-reaction in the decider to the unruly scenes at the start of the Kilkenny-Tipperary All-Ireland semi-final.

Cunningham paid tribute last night to the man who will handle the game, experienced referee Barry Kelly. “Hurling has evolved as a game,” said Cunningham. “It has become far more intense, the tackles are much harder, the games are brilliant — and the referees have contributed to that magnificently in last few years. Standard of refereeing is very high now and there is nothing in this camp but respect for referees, the way they have helped to evolve the game.