Shane Walsh Galway

For so long, Galway's Shane Walsh bent this final to his will.

That it was his direct opponent, Graham O’Sullivan, who floated in the three deliveries for Kerry’s three first-half marks shows how he was found lacking in his defensive duties. Not to take away from Stephen O’Brien’s block, but Heaney will know there was a goal there for the taking on eight minutes. Non-existent in the first half. Won the mark for Cillian McDaid’s 65th-minute point. Interrupted a first half Paudie Clifford handpass inside the D for an important Galway turnover. Kicked a first-half point and got himself into decent positions in the opposition half. Did have two wides at crucial junctures in the second period. A bit more confidence and he might have kept motoring forward when in those positions, as opposed to recycling possession. Same as Armagh quarter-final, his lack of confidence in the air was exposed. The outstanding midfielder of the four. Another Galway defender in line for an All-Star. Galway’s most consistent performer in 2022. Seán Mulkerrin’s return from injury in 2023 should free Kelly back out the field.