Kilkenny manager Brian Cody was pleased with the way Kilkenny applied themselves to the task of overcoming a determined Galway in the Leinster hurling final.
In something similar to the way things panned out in last year's All-Ireland final between the sides, Galway held the upper hand in the first half, leading by three points. However, Kilkenny upped their game on the resumption, and a goal from Jonjo Farrell set them on their way to a 1-26 to 0-22 victory.
The introduction of Richie Hogan, allied to a number of switches, paid dividends for the Cats, and while Cody referenced this in his post-match interview, he was also at pains to mention the collective effort after half time.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, he said: "Richie has been out for a long while, but he was very sharp and fresh when he came on. He was itching to get back in and he certainly played well.
"We made a few switches that worked, but it not about the switches, it's about the application of the team right throughout the second half. It was very, very good."
Expanding further on this, Cody added: "I think that's what sport is all about. You must remember that the team you're playing against is bringing the same thing you're bringing to it. It's a battle of wits - a physical and mental battle.
"All the battles are going on at the same time. At the end of the day, you keep going to the very, very end. That's what you have got to do."
