For the second consecutive year, Galway have come up short against Limerick in the All-Ireland semi-final.
Whereas last year's meeting between the sides at the same stage of the competition came right down to the wire, the way in which the closing stages of this fixture played out will not go down well with many out west.
Galway started the game in a promising fashion, at one point leading by six points in the first half. That was achieved by approaching the game in an aggressive manner, pushing up on Limerick and being brave both in and out of possession.
However, they eased off in that regard as the half went on. John Kiely's side would knock over five points on the spin to end the half, going into the interval trailing by just one. Joe Canning criticised them for that at the time and it proved to be a key turning point.
Whereas the early portion of the game featured huge intensity from Galway, the second half was a very different story. They sat off and allowed Limerick to knock the ball around unchallenged for long periods, with the Munster champions picking off plenty of scores as a result.
In the end, the game was essentially a non-contest in the final quarter as Limerick ran out nine-point winners.
Dowling & Canning baffled by Galway in second half vs Limerick
Whether it was a tactical change from Galway or a case of them simply being overpowered, it was clear that they were well off the pitch of the game in the second half. Limerick cantered to victory in the end, with the manner of the performance something that is sure to sting for the Tribesmen.
Speaking on RTÉ after the game, both Shane Dowling and Joe Canning admitted that they were baffled by Galway's approach and overall performance after halftime.
Dowling: There was a real lack of intensity and lack of work effort from Galway compared to Limerick.
If you look at the second half numbers in relation to tackles, and I know it sounds basic, but it's hardly a coincidence that the teams that tackle and shoot the most win the game. That's what Limerick done today.
From a Galway viewpoint, I don't know what Joe's take on it was, but I just thought there was nothing there in the second half...
Canning: They must have changed tactics or something at halftime. When we were looking at it straight away, we saw Cathal Mannion go deeper in the second half, we saw Daithí [Burke] sitting a but deeper, we saw Joe Cooney sitting a bit deeper at times.
I don't know why they didn't attack...
It had to be tactical by the lads at halftime. Why didn't they push up and attack them? It's like they sat off Limerick almost.
Limerick were able to get those little passes around and then there was no intensity because they didn't have the numbers there. For me, the most frustrating part is that it was working in the first half, yes it didn't work near the end because they did sit off, but they definitely changed something.
Looking from here, they definitely changed something at halftime.
This fixture showed that Galway still have quite a bit to go if they hope to compete against the likes of Limerick on a regular basis, with the second half in Croke Park displaying the clear gap between the sides as things stand.
Unfortunately, Henry Shefflin and his players will have a long wait until the get the opportunity to avenge this defeat.
SEE ALSO: Joe Canning's Halftime Criticism Proved To Be Spot On After Galway Lose To Limerick
