The main talking points as Kilkenny lose out to Galway in Allianz Hurling League

Galway’s Conor Whelan in action with Kilkenny’s Peter McDonald during Sunday's game in Nowlan Park.

placeholder image — Galway’s Conor Whelan in action with Kilkenny’s Peter McDonald during Sunday's game in Nowlan Park.

Main Man

Declan McLoughlin (Galway)

Not for the first time, Galway’s Declan McLoughlin tormented a Kilkenny team as after scoring an equalising point against the Cats in a Leinster Championship clash two years ago he went a step further here in scoring two goals that essentially sealed the victory for the visitors. He was ably assisted by the likes of Padraic Mannion, Tom Monaghan and Gavin Lee while for Derek Lyng’s men it was again Mossy Keoghan who stood out with the Tullaroan man hitting an incredible seven points from play.

Turning Point

The opening Galway goal after only three minutes of play forced Kilkenny to play catch up for much of the contest and while they did take the lead inside the final 10 minutes, their effort eventually ran out of steam.

Talking Point

Like in Ennis a week previous, Kilkenny were rather slow out of the blocks and unlike in previous seasons, if you are slightly off it you will get punished against the best teams in the country. It’s something they’ll need to rectify ahead of a big derby meeting with Wexford.

Attendance

5,460

What’s Next

The two counties have a short turnaround to their next game with both back out next Saturday evening as Kilkenny travel to Wexford (5.30pm) and Galway entertain All-Ireland champions Clare in Salthill (7.30pm).