Kilkenny Showed Some Tremendous Sportsmanship After The Final Whistle

Speaking to Newstalk's Off the Ball over two years ago following the retirement of Dermot Earley, Kieran McGeeney said that in sport the people who are really remembered are the 'champions who showed class'.

If you look back at sporting history you will find that the whingers and whiners are forgotten, the characters remembered briefly.

But what will stick in your mind are the champions who showed class, coolness under pressure, graciousness in their success and diplomacy and courteousness in their behaviour.

Following their All-Ireland final victory against Galway, Kilkenny - who have plenty of practice at being champions - certainly showed the kind of quality which McGeeney was speaking about.

Richie Power consoles Galway goalkeeper Colm Callanan

Jackie Tyrrell commiserates Padraig Mannion

Richie Power and John Hanbury

Joey Holden comforts Joe Canning

Pictures: Sportsfile