'You're always looking for more': Shane O'Neill and Galway come up just short

Galway manager Shane O'Neill: 'Even though the two goals went in for Kilkenny, the reaction from the lads was very good.' Picture: INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Kilkenny did a good job of standing up the old cliche that the only time you need to be ahead in a Championship game is at the final whistle.

The Cats only led briefly between the 57th and 59th minutes and from the 69th minute onwards in this game. Outside of that, Galway either led or were on level terms and for long spells, particularly when the Tribesmen went five points clear with 13 minutes remaining, a third title in four years appeared the westerners' destiny.