Galway manager Noel Lane believes that his side's inexperience was the key factor in their All Ireland Hurling final defeat by Tipperary. "Tipp were there in 1997, they're Munster champions and league champions, and I think that bit of extra experience helped today. Our fellas are young and they'll have another day," he said.
Lane was philosophical about refereeing decisions which went against Galway, including a disallowed goal by Kevin Broderick in the dying seconds of the game. "A few decisions went against us as well and we weren't too happy about that but that's the way it goes on final days," he said.
"The lads fought back on several occasions, coming back with great goals and scores. I didn't see the reason why a goal we got was disallowed. Maybe somebody will tell me later, but that's the way it goes. I'm as proud of my fellas now in defeat as I would be in victory," said Lane.
Although Lane's players were very disappointed, he emphasised that it was their first time in an All Ireland final since 1993. "I'm very proud of the way they played. They stuck in there until the bitter end, and we just found it very hard to break down Tipp," said the Galway manager.
Filed by Greg McKevitt
