Galway's Nolan Park venture finished in an exhilarating one-point win as Kilkenny came up just short in the Leinster Championship clash.
A 2-22 to 3-20 finish only tells part of the story. There were cards and controversy galore as referee Colm Lyons was kept busy, sending off three different players during a frantic finish.
The Tribesmen ventured into the heart of hurling in search of a precious two-points and new leaders in the absence of Joe Canning. Cathal Mannion emerged to fill that void in a man of the match performance.
Named at half-forward but playing in midfield, the Ahascragh-Fohenagh man finished with 0-8 from play in a sensational showing.
Cathal Mannion with a lovely score for @Galway_GAA. pic.twitter.com/6qO7ZU0s4i
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 9, 2019
More than Mannion came of age. Jason Flynn finished with 0-3 after a rocky start while he teamed up with Brian Conconnan to land a vital goal late on.
Great finish by @Galway_GAA 's Brian Concannon. pic.twitter.com/Ue8GVXiT4f
— The GAA (@officialgaa) June 9, 2019
The finale was grand. Firstly, Galway had John Hanbury sent off for a head-high tackle. Then, Ger Ger Aylward was shown a second yellow and the line after reacting to a foul.
TJ Reid was presented with a close free in extra-time, but the manner of the finish was questionable.
Four minutes were added on. 70.14 was when the Kilkenny man was fouled. 72.30 was when the free was taken after two different Galway defenders were shown yellow cards. The final whistle sounded at 74.14.
This is absolute bullshit reffing obvious that getting your card count up is the brief
— Eddie Brennan (@NedzerB13) June 9, 2019
It means Galway march on, regardless of next weekend's result. Victory over Dublin would secure a Leinster Final spot. As for Kilkenny, a win against Wexford would be enough, but a loss combined with a Dublin win could see them out.
All to play for yet.
