At times (almost all the time, really) in this afternoon's Leinster hurling final replay in Thurles, Galway looked to have suffered little or none of the usual negatives that are associated with reigning All-Ireland champions.
Demonstrating greater speed, hunger and precision throughout, they left Kilkenny looking star-struck; a fascinating feat given that this is their third Championship meeting in 2018. With Brian Cody's men reeling, however, they were granted what quickly appeared to be a fortunate reprieve.
Looking certain to have secured their quarter-final clash with Limerick in a week's time, Kilkenny were granted a life-line. Without hurl in hand, Ger Aylward broke through the close attention of Galway's back-line to kick Kilkenny's opening goal of the game.
Although it may prove worthless over the course of a game Galway continue to dominate, should it have counted at all?
Aylward goal shows one of the great GAA truisms that if a team is losing heavily the rules don't apply
— aidan o'hara (@oharaa) July 8, 2018
How was that goal allowed ..??? Referee must be feeling sorry for the cats
— Padraic Joyce (@Padraic14) July 8, 2018
Reid blown for about 2 steps and then a goal with 12 allowed 😂
— Daniel St Ledger (@DanStL89) July 8, 2018
Typical James Owens. Blows up TJ Reid For 7/8 steps , let’s go 22 for the goal
— Ruairi Hatchell (@RuairiHatchell) July 8, 2018
Took a few steps for the goal there but they were only little small ones so he’s alright. #kilkenny #gaa
— Joey Wadding (@joeywadding) July 8, 2018
Aylward goal. Suspicion of steps as well as a penalty but goal given. #GAA
— John Fogarty (@JohnFogartyIrl) July 8, 2018
Hope someone reminds the Referee at half time how many steps your actually allowed to take! That Goal was a joke! 🙄 #GALvKIL #GAA #LenisterFinal #Hurling
— Mary McGrath (@MaryMcGx) July 8, 2018
What a first half from Galway and have we counted the exact amount of steps Aylward took for his goal
— Phil Egan (@philegansport) July 8, 2018
Just the 12 steps from aylward there 🙄😂 if he’s being fouled he shouldn’t then be allowed foul the ball himself, happens all the time, give the free! #gaa #KKvGAL #thesundaygame
— Mark Moloney (@moloneymark) July 8, 2018
Dropped his hurley and WAY too many steps. Owens has his Cody goggles on obviously
— Liz Manley (@LizManley21) July 8, 2018
At half-time, Galway lead 1-16 to 1-6. You can watch the incident below, and decide for yourself.
A goal for @KilkennyCLG from Ger Aylward pic.twitter.com/F5Z24xazhq
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 8, 2018
