Manager Dowling praises character as Kilkenny finally banish the devastation of defeat

In eight appearances Kilkenny had lost six All-Ireland finals

Kilkenny players celebrate at the final whistle

The last few years Kilkenny hopes were shattered again and again. In eight appearances, they lost six All-Ireland finals — prior to tonight their only other victory was 2016 against Cork.

Manager Brian Dowling was quick to praise the massive character and resolve they showed, even if it was in an empty Croke Park stadium.