In the first part of a double for the counties at the weekend, it was Galway who emerged victorious in Nowlan Park in the All-Ireland Junior Football semi-final.
Having secured another British Junior Championship crown in June, there was a renewed sense of optimism heading into Saturday’s fixture.
In the wind up, Galway proved far too strong for a Kilkenny side that appeared to struggle in the warm conditions of the day.
The Cats had found the back of the net within five minutes of the start thanks to John Walsh, but it was all Galway from there out. The Tribesmen would lead 2-12 to Kilkenny’s 1-3 at the break.
Kilkenny battled back to an extent, scoring a further 1-5 in the second half but again Galway’s strength around the pitch shone through, adding a further ten points of their own.
Final score Galway 2-22, Kilkenny 2-08.
Galway progress to play Kerry in the All-Ireland junior football final in a fortnight’s time.