/ GAA

Kilkenny's route to the All Ireland final

Updated: Friday, 07 Sep 2012 11:18

Some of the images from Kilkenny's passage to a historic seventh All-Ireland final in a row

Kilkenny opened their summer campaign with a Leinster semi-final against Dublin in Portlaoise. Tommy Walsh started as he meant to go on with a fine hook on Dublin's Danny Sutcliffe
Kilkenny opened their summer campaign with a Leinster semi-final against Dublin in Portlaoise. Tommy Walsh started as he meant to go on with a fine hook on Dublin's Danny Sutcliffe
Dublin's Niall Corcoran took the opportunity to get up close and personal with Richie Hogan
Dublin's Niall Corcoran took the opportunity to get up close and personal with Richie Hogan
The Cats hit the ground running and Richie Power was among the goalscorers on the day as Kilkenny ran out 2-21 to 0-09 winners
The Cats hit the ground running and Richie Power was among the goalscorers on the day as Kilkenny ran out 2-21 to 0-09 winners
That win booked Kilkenny a Leinster final date with Galway at Croke Park
That win booked Kilkenny a Leinster final date with Galway at Croke Park
Richie Power found himself under pressure from Galway's Fergal Moore
Richie Power found himself under pressure from Galway's Fergal Moore
Galway came flying out of the traps and David Burke's goal was one of two times the Kilkenny net was rattled in the first half
Galway came flying out of the traps and David Burke's goal was one of two times the Kilkenny net was rattled in the first half
The scoreboard at the interval made for incredible reading
The scoreboard at the interval made for incredible reading
The second half was little better for Kilkenny fans as they saw the Noresiders beaten by 2-21 to 2-11
The second half was little better for Kilkenny fans as they saw the Noresiders beaten by 2-21 to 2-11
Was Kilkenny manager Brian Cody telling Galway boss Anthony Cunningham 'I'll see you in September'?
Was Kilkenny manager Brian Cody telling Galway boss Anthony Cunningham 'I'll see you in September'?
The defeat to Galway meant Kilkenny had to face Limerick in the All-Ireland quarter-finals
The defeat to Galway meant Kilkenny had to face Limerick in the All-Ireland quarter-finals
Kieran Joyce and goalkeeper David Herity couldn't stop Limerick's David Breen scoring the opening goal
Kieran Joyce and goalkeeper David Herity couldn't stop Limerick's David Breen scoring the opening goal
Henry Shefflin's personal tally of 2-06 helped Kilkenny on their way at Semple Stadium
Henry Shefflin's personal tally of 2-06 helped Kilkenny on their way at Semple Stadium
Limerick boss John Allen congratulates Cody after the final whistle blew on Kilkenny's 4-16 to 1-16 victory
Limerick boss John Allen congratulates Cody after the final whistle blew on Kilkenny's 4-16 to 1-16 victory
Next up was an All-Ireland semi-final clash with old rivals Tipperary
Next up was an All-Ireland semi-final clash with old rivals Tipperary
There were fears for Michael Fennelly after the midfielder had some hamstring trouble before throw-in
There were fears for Michael Fennelly after the midfielder had some hamstring trouble before throw-in
Much was made of the numerous off-the-ball incidents during the game
Much was made of the numerous off-the-ball incidents during the game
Tipperary full-back Paul Curran needed a new hurley inside the first minute - an indication of how physical the game was
Tipperary full-back Paul Curran needed a new hurley inside the first minute - an indication of how physical the game was
Pa Bourke of Tipperary felt restraining Tommy Walsh was the only way to limit the Kilkenny's wing-back's influence
Pa Bourke of Tipperary felt restraining Tommy Walsh was the only way to limit the Kilkenny's wing-back's influence
Aidan Fogarty rattled a goal past Tipperary goalkeeper Brendan Cummins
Aidan Fogarty rattled a goal past Tipperary goalkeeper Brendan Cummins
TJ Reid lashed home the Cat's fourth goal, despite the distraction of a flying hurley
TJ Reid lashed home the Cat's fourth goal, despite the distraction of a flying hurley
It was a sweet day for Kilkenny supporters as they witnessed their side secure a massive 4-24 to 1-15 victory
It was a sweet day for Kilkenny supporters as they witnessed their side secure a massive 4-24 to 1-15 victory
The Cats' fans waved goodbye to Tipp fans scurrying towards the exits at Headquarters
The Cats' fans waved goodbye to Tipp fans scurrying towards the exits at Headquarters
And Brian Hogan and his team-mates were left to celebrate reaching yet another All-Ireland decider
And Brian Hogan and his team-mates were left to celebrate reaching yet another All-Ireland decider