GAME AT A GLANCE

MAN OF THE MATCH

Joe Canning (Galway) When Galway needed their leaders to stand up in the second half nobody grabbed more responsibility than Canning who took on the Clare defence at every opportunity. He scored 0-8, including 0-3 from play, and a spectacular sideline cut late on which put Galway two points ahead. It was an inspiring score at a time when Clare were right on Galway’s shoulder.

TALKING POINT

For the third successive game, Galway opened up a big lead but failed to defend it. Why is that happening? They got away with it against Kilkenny and twice against Clare but it has to be a major worry for Micheál Donoghue that they struggle to retain control of games where they have put themselves in an excellent position. From a Clare perspective, they will be disgusted with another poor start which left them with so much to do to get back in the game.

REF WATCH

Some of Fergal Horgan’s decisions were baffling and in common with all modern-day referees, he adopted the ‘let it flow’ approach. Referees are praised for doing that but who empowered them to ignore the rules? It appears a pointless question as all referees are on the same lenient wavelength now.

MATCH STATISTICS

WIDES

Clare: 19 (11 in first half) Galway: 13 (6)

FREES Clare: 12 (5) Galway: 6 (2)

YELLOW CARDS

Clare 3 (D McInerney 37, J Browne 49, C Cleary 54)

Galway 4 (C Cooney 24, J Canning 37, J Hanbury 41, David Burke 74)

ATTENDANCE

44,246

WHAT’S NEXT?

Galway play Limerick in the All-Ireland final on Sunday week.