Tribe will pay ‘big time’

“Prior to the (drawn) match, I would have said that Galway had a cracking chance. They had beaten Kilkenny in the Leinster final and Kilkenny had been poor against Limerick, especially in the first-half.

“They have been improving though, which is Kilkenny’s way, to be peaking for the All-Ireland final. But now, Galway have gone to water and haven’t drank it and I think all the momentum is with Kilkenny.

“They give a team one chance at it and if they don’t take it, they’re going to pay. I think Galway are going to pay, big time. They played well the last day but weren’t able to finish it off. Kilkenny played poorly and still drew. In my book, I would say that any increase in Kilkenny’s performance is going to tip the balance in their favour. That, plus the experience of the players.