Henry Shefflin satisfied but questions referee Johnny Murphy's performance in disjointed Galway victory

Henry Shefflin was happy that his team confirmed their Division 1A Allianz Hurling League status for 2025 but wondered if his players received enough protection from officials after Galway finished with 12 men in their victory against Dublin.

The Tribesmen led at the break but found themselves behind with 20 minutes to go. From there however, they outscored the Dubs by 0-10 to 0-01 to win comfortably in the end at Pearse Stadium.

Three Galway men would see the line in the last 25 minutes as the plentiful supply of cards handed out by referee Johnny Murphy eventually told, with Jack Grealish receiving two yellows.

He was joined for an early shower by Conor Whelan and Daithí Burke, who were both shown straight reds, as well as Dublin's Ronan Hayes.

Ultimately though, Shefflin was happy with the result as his side showed some character in the last quarter of an hour.

"We came today to confirm status for Division 1A next year, that was achieved," he said on RTÉ's Sunday Sport.

"To give us an opportunity of playing the All-Ireland champions next week, a place for the semi-finals up for grabs - that was achieved.

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"You're always wondering, when teams are tested and things are thrown at you - they're usually goals or points - you're interested to see how you're going to respond. With the setbacks and sendings off, I felt our team managed it very well.

"There was great leadership shown throughout the group. The players, at that stage, take over and I thought they took over well