Galway are the new Leinster Under-20 hurling champions after dethroning holders Kilkenny with a 2-20 to 2-11 win at O’Moore Park last night.
The Tribesmen claimed their first provincial under-20 title since 2021 and now move on to face Clare in the All-Ireland final on Sunday week.
Kilkenny struggled to get to the levels they showed earlier in the campaign as Galway pulled away in the second half to seal a deserved victory over Henry Shefflin’s side.
Despite the disappointment, Shefflin says there are still positives for his players to take from the campaign, particularly in terms of development at underage level.
“I think the players are disappointed. They put in a big shift. I think they’ve learned a lot. I think they’ve developed a bit,” he said afterwards.
“Obviously, there’s no doubt about it. Some of them have a lot more development to do. And that’s the challenge for them as players. They go back to their clubs now and can they push on? Players develop at different ages.”
The Kilkenny boss admitted he was frustrated by the overall display and felt sorry for the supporters who travelled to Portlaoise.
“But it’s disappointing, disappointed in the performance. That’s what you look for first and foremost. We just didn’t give that — for themselves I’m disappointed and for supporters who travelled here tonight as well.”
