Declan McLoughlin denies Cats at death as Galway snatch draw

A sensational point from 45 metres on the left sideline by sub Declan McLoughlin in the 76th minute earned Galway a thrilling draw with champions Kilkenny in a high-class Leinster senior hurling championship second-round clash at UPMC Nowlan Park.

For long spells of the second half Galway looked troubled after they shipped a lot of damage early in the half, but they kept chasing and chasing and in the end their fourth sub produced a piece of magic to save the day and earn a share of the spoils.

How a draw will leave the counties in the long run is hard to know, but both will be happy enough with it as they don't want to lose ground to each other.

It was a big return to his home county for Galway manager Henry Shefflin, and he won't have been dissatisfied with a draw bearing in mind how the action unfolded.

The teams went in for the rests level at 0-16 [Kilkenny] to 1-13. However, against the wind, Kilkenny took control early in the new half. Billy Ryan set the grounds alight after he galloped 60 metres before shooting a point.

The crowd of 11,550 rose to salute that moment of brilliance. Quick fire points followed from TJ Reid [two frees] as the Cats went on to out-score Galway by 0-08 to 0-02 before the 51st minute was reached.

At that stage the home side led by 0-24 to 0-15 and they were looking good.

Kilkenny were having more joy working the ball up the field, although they enjoyed a let off when goalie Eoin Murphy moved smartly to smother a real goal chance on Kevin Cooney in the 40th minute.

When Daithi Burke hit the target for Galway from 75 metres in the 52nd minute it was a badly needed score. Cathal Mannion and Brian Concannon added to the gains as the Galway fightback got underway.

Kilkenny were defending a lead of 0-28