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.
READ MORE: Limerick overcome Galway test to set up tantalising All-Ireland final date against Kilkenny
Ultimately though they weren't to add to their total of 1-21 while Limerick added a further two points to their tally to create some bit of a buffer. While Cian Lynch's introduction off the bench had generated the loudest cheer from the Treaty faithful, it proved to be David Reidy who was the real match winner on this occasion.
He nabbed three points as he wound up being the man on the end of some incredibly composed team moves while the underdogs appeared to run out of steam a small bit after what was a heroic effort. While moral victories won't do them any good this evening, Shefflin (who had earlier been booked too) and his team's passion throughout the gripping affair garnered plenty of kudos from all corners afterwards.
Comedian Oliver Callan tweeted: "I’m exhausted after that. Limerick are just spectacular. But I also feel Henry Shefflin could even motivate me to get off the sofa and hurl to the death." While someone else said: "Love that passion from Henry Shefflin."
Shefflin's native county of Kilkenny are now all that stands in the way of Limerick and a fourth All-Ireland crown in five years.
READ NEXT:
Irish sex abuse survivors praise bravery of Vera Pauw after rape revelation
Andy Farrell taking the positives from Ireland’s defeat to New Zealand in opening Test
Nick Kyrgios branded ‘evil’ and ‘a bully’ after chaotic Wimbledon clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas
Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts
