RTÉ’S SUNDAY GAME panel have selected Michael Fennelly as their man-of-the-match from today’s All-Ireland senior hurling final win over Galway.
The Kilkenny midfielder played a key role as the Cats overcame the Tribesmen to secure their 11th title in 16 seasons courtesy of a 1-22 to 1-18 triumph.
Fennelly was joined as a man-of-the-match candidate by Kilkenny team-mate TJ Reid and Galway midfielder David Burke, but it was Fennelly who was given the nod.
Sunday Game panellist Ger Loughnane said: “When you look at the greatest Kilkenny players of all time, taking over the role of Derek Lyng… if you look at the All Blacks, when somebody retires, they say that the responsibility of the next person is not only to fill that position, but to take it to a new level.
“That’s what Michael Fennelly has done. The day he’s missing, you always notice it. His domination there around the middle of the field, his physical presence, and you can’t just judge him on possessions.
“You judge him on the physicality he brings to it, the earnestness he brings to it, the genuine effort you’re guaranteed that he’ll make throughout the whole game. And he’ll also always come in with a few points. Two points today from midfield, he’s just an absolute powerhouse.”
Do you agree with the Sunday Game’s choice?
