Cunningham laments missed chances
Galway manager Anthony Cunningham lamented his sides missed chances as the Tribesmen succumbed to Kilkenny by four points in the first of this afternoon's Allianz NHL Division 1 semi-finals at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick.
Ahead by five points at the break, Galway looked composed, but ultimately let Kilkenny strongly back into contention on the restart and ultimately paid the price.
"Kilkenny were going to come back in the second half and there was a nice breeze out there," he said.
"It probably doesn't look like much from the sideline, but having said that we are disappointed. It was a game we could have won.
"We had enough chances and we played well at midfield and defence for most of the match. There was a lot of good play upfront as well, but we'll have to be a bit sharper the next time we meet."
Galway lost their grasp early on the restart, as the Cats came out with all guns blazing.
"For the first 10 minutes of the second half we lost control in the middle third, but that's going to happen against the opposition we are going to meet at this stage.
"We rallied again towards the finish and we were in hard luck, but you don't get any plaudits for being in hard luck."
Much of the talk about the weekend's action hinged on the advantage rule, which was decisive in both of Saturday's Under 21 football semi-finals.
Cunningham feels that the rule should also apply to hurling.
"I think there is absolutely. I have been surprised that with all the talk about refereeing, I think the advantage rule in the Under 21 semi-finals was excellent and it should be brought into hurling," he said.
"I think it helps referees and anything that helps the game is good. There's always going to be close calls and I don't want to be talking always about referees, but it can help the game."
