THERE WERE TWO big provincial finals down for decision this afternoon, as the Leinster hurling and Munster football titles were down for decision.
In Leinster, Kilkenny proved far too strong for Galway, even despite Joe Canning’s heroics.
However, the Galway star wasn’t one of the three names put forward for The Sunday Game’s Man-of-the-Match award, as Donal Óg Cusack and Anthony Daly nominated his teammate Cyril Donnellan and Kilkenny duo Cillian Buckley and TJ Reid for this evening’s award.
In the end, 1-9 (1-3 of which was from play) was too hard to ignore for the analysts, as they picked Reid as the star of the day in Croke Park.
Daly in particular was almost smitten with the Kilkenny forward, saying, “he’s probably the most influential player in the game at the moment”.
In the Munster football decider, All-Ireland champions Kerry and Cork couldn’t be separated after a pulsating draw in Killarney.
Cork looked to be on the verge of a first win at Fitzgerald Stadium in 20 years, before Fionn Fitzgerald’s late long range point sent the game to a replay.
Kevin McStay and Ciaran Whelan were calling the shots for the Man-of-the-Match selections, and the trio they highlighted for praise were James O’Donoghue, who bagged 1-2, Cork’s Alan O’Connor and finally Colm O’Neill.
And it was Alan O’Connor who won the vote, after winning the battle in midfield.
Did the analysts get it right? Give us your thoughts below.
I thought Barry O’Driscoll from Cork deserved at least a nomination.
Can’t argue with that,Reid tore my county wexford to bits in semi final and continued in same vein today.o Connor was outstanding for cork
Cillian Buckley was Kilkenny MOTM today in my opinion. Excellent reading of the game throughout.
Doncha o Connor? Set up first goal, scored classy 2nd and tapped over few points
Thought Paul Murphy deserved it, he dealt with all the Galway high balls brilliantly. A top player.
I thought that Alan O’Connor had a smashing game but it was made a lot easier when David Moran received the Black Card, up until that point I thought he was controlling the middle.
Barry O Driscoll on the fact that it was only his second championship match at half back (I think), O Connor was outstanding too..not a hope was James O Donoghue worth a nomination..Bryan Sheehan or Marc o se were Kerry’s top performers.
Was in the Davin stand yesterday and got to appreciate the movement of TJ yesterday. I thought he fully deserved the MOTM award yesterday. what struck me was the speed and resend he has Galway panicked when he went for or touched the ball and the other five forwards revolved around him….. hard to believe for years he struggled to make the team others should take heart and never give up on your dreams
mark Ellis was outstanding
Would’ve tipped eoin larkin or Cyril donnelan ahead of tj Reid