NO TRUTH IN TALK OF TRIBE DEMISE

RUMOURS of the demise of Galway’s hurlers were greatly exaggerated.

The Tribesmen’s bid to win their first hurling two-in-a-row in 30 years is back on track after yesterday’s brilliant response in the Leinster final replay.

By starting and finishing so thunderously, they showed they have no intention of surrendering their All-Ireland crown without a fight, and players like Jonathan Glynn, John Hanbury and Cathal Mannion really took the fight to Kilkenny.

But Cats fans left looking happy enough considering the progress their new-look team has made in a season in which they’ve already won the Division 1 title.

The way Kilkenny came back within a point after trailing by nine at half-time has been a trademark of Brian Cody’s never-say-die teams.

With Richie Hogan and Colin Fennelly re-finding full fitness and form it looks like Kilkenny are still serious contenders. They have to go now for a third week in a row but their claws will surely be as sharp as ever against Limerick.