Kilkenny defeat Galway to win 70th Leinster SHC title

Kilkenny produced a clinical final-quarter display to shake-off Galway and lift the Leinster SHC title for the 70th time on a 1-25 to 2-15 scoreline.

The Cats showed flashes of their efficient and industrious best as they took the game to Galway from the throw-in and bar a few brief moments, the challengers were always second best.

The challengers arrived backed not just by optimism but an impressive, and most importantly, consistent campaign to date.

They had added substance to their style it seemed but it was the latter that produced the moment of the match and possibly the goal of the season on the approach to half-time.

Trailing by six points and in danger of losing their grip on the game, a backwards running Joe Canning fielded a long ball between two defenders before turning and goaling in one effortless movement.

It was a breathless piece of skill but the inspiration bounce was not to yield victory.

Kilkenny still held a one goal lead at half-time and while balance of power would shift back and forth through the third quarter when substitute Jason Flynn cracked home a brilliant goal, the Tribesmen never took control.

TJ Reid had been exerting a heavy toll on proceedings - he goaled before Canning - but the contest really fired when Cyril Donnellan stoked the flames of Flynn's goal with a brace of brilliant points.

Then, David Burke's snap shot skimmed wide when it was centimetres from raising another green flag.

A third goal at that point would have teed-up a frantic finish but Kilkenny stepped on the gas from here to the finish.

Against Galway's flashes they were collectively faster by way of execution while their movement created holes and easier scoring opportunities. 

Their experience began to weigh heavily too with the influence of TJ Reid - a menace throughout - now boiling thanks to Eoin Larkin and Richie Power, by now exerting their considerable will on the contest.

They were to the fore in the final quarter, fielding impressively, scoring sublimely and matched against that and more, Galway's efforts looked exhaustive. 

They rallied briefly but breaks were falling Kilkenny's way, their harrying and hassling yielding a more favourable bounce.

There were no real signs to suggest it will let up either.

Kilkenny: E Murphy; P Murphy, J Holden, J Tyrrell; P Walsh, K Joyce, C Buckley; C Fogarty (0-1), W Walsh (0-2); R Hogan (0-4), J Power, C Fennelly (0-2); G Aylward (0-3), TJ Reid (1-9, 5f,1'65), E Larkin (0-4).

Subs: S Prendergast for Tyrrell (50), M Kelly for Power (58), M Ruth for Fennelly (71).

Galway: C Callanan; J Hanbury, P Mannion, J Coen; F Moore (0-1), I Tannian, Daithí Burke; A Smith, A Harte; David Burke (0-1), C Donnellan (0-3), J Glynn (0-1); C Mannion (0-1), J Canning (1-08, 7f), D Glennon.

Subs: J Flynn (1-0) for Glennon (27), J Cooney for Harte (39), P Brehony for David Burke (59), N Healy for C Mannion (62), P Killeen for Hanbury (64).

Ref: James McGrath (Westmeath).