The intensity of Galway's battle with Limerick was such that even the usually stoic Henry Shefflin was leaping up and down the sideline in classic hurling manager fashion. In the end, there was heartbreak for his side as the defending All-Ireland champions just proved to have more know-how in closing out big games in addition to their superior strength in depth.
But with 67 minutes on the clock, the sides were level. The Treaty County then nudged themselves in front and the tension inside Croke Park was ratcheted up an extra gear as we ticked towards the final whistle.
Understandably, Shefflin was the epitome of the 'pucking every ball' cliche as he fiercely contested the awarding of two sideline balls to Limerick over the course of 30 seconds or so. The second one was actually overturned which led to Shefflin urging his players to push forward in an effort to find an equaliser.
