At the time of writing, it’s 20 years, 3 months and 19 days since Kilkenny claimed the first All-Ireland crown of the new millennium.
The Cats were in their third All-Ireland in a row, having lost out to Offaly in 1998 and Cork the following year.
Brian Cody had taken the reins of the county’s senior hurlers in the wake of the defeat to Offaly and now Kilkenny had a shot at redemption.
Both sides had met in the championship in the Leinster Final earlier that year, the Cats getting better of the men from the midlands.
With 61,493 in attendance, Henry Shefflin would score 2-2, joined on the scoresheet by DJ Carey (1-4), Charlie Carter (103), Denis Byrne (0-4), Eddie Brennan (1-0), John Hoyne (0-1) and Andy Comerford (0-1) all on the way to a 5-15 to 1-14 win over Offaly.
By half time, Kilkenny had a 3-10 to 0-9 lead, the Cats clinical in first half finishing and punishing Offaly for their missed opportunities.
Eddie Brennan’s goal at the death for Kilkenny is still a peach to watch 20 years on.
Watch: Offaly v Kilkenny, All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final 2020
Kilkenny team v Offaly
James McGarry, Michael Kavanagh, Noel Hickey, Willie O’Connor (C), Philly Larkin, Eamonn Kennedy, Peter Barry, Andy Comerford, Brian McEvoy, Denis Byrne, John Power, John Hoyne, Charlie Carter, DJ Carey, Henry Shefflin. Subs: Canice Brennan, Eddie Brennan.
Offaly team v Kilkenny
Stephen Byrne, Simon Whelahan, Kevin Kinahan, Niall Claffey, Brian Whelahan, Joe Errity, Kevin Martin, Johnny Dooley, Ger Oakley, Johnny Pilkington, Gary Hanniffy, Brian Murphy, Michael Duignan, John Ryan, Joe Dooley. Subs: David Franks, John Troy, Paudie Mulhaire.