Analysis: Can we start the three-in-a-row talk yet? Cork, in fairness to them, have probably not received the plaudits they deserved over the past three years but yesterday they eclipsed Kilkenny as the dominant force of this era. They now must be seen as one of the great teams.

What happened yesterday confirmed what most people expected: the inability to deal with an All-Ireland final found this young Galway side out very quickly. To their credit, they recovered but the damage had been done.

An All-Ireland final can be a cruel and unforgiving occasion. Galway know that now but they also know they are one of the major contenders for next year. They have gained respect and can be mentioned in the same breath as the big two.

They will reflect on the two great Donal Óg Cusack saves but it was the failure of so many of their players to turn up that made the difference. In contrast, bar Joe Deane and Niall McCarthy, all Cork's starters were in inspirational form.

David Forde has been one of Galway's main players all year but yesterday he struggled to get a grip on the game. His marker Ronan Curran played a part here. While not having a spectacular game, Curran answered his many critics with a solid performance, as he consistently did his job.

But it was in midfield that any chance of a Galway victory was ruthlessly snuffed out. Six points from Tom Kenny and Jerry O'Connor says it all. Kenny completely dominated the highly-rated David Tierney, while O'Connor hit three points but could also be found clearing up in defence.

The link-up cameos with his brother Ben could also be seen in the second half. Late on, the twins took their helmets off and you had to turn them round to see who was weaving the magic. Both showed the full array of their sublime skills. Ben was my man of the match as, although quiet in the first half, he got the vital goal and another seven points.

This may draw a few groans from Galway people who believe Diarmuid O'Sullivan fouled Niall Healy. On reflection it looked like they were both involved so the goal is not tarnished in my book.

By owning midfield, Cork were guaranteed a continuous supply of ball from the half-back line into the forwards. It was also interesting, and commendable, to see John Allen abandon the short-passing game.

The first two balls were sent in from distance for Brian Corcoran. Corcoran's presence has a calming effect on his team-mates. At one stage he drifted out to the wing and, with little on, coolly tipped the ball over the bar.

The puck-outs of both Cusack and Liam Donoghue were fantastic. However, Donoghue didn't have the full-back line like the one Cork have built their team upon. Although O'Sullivan had to be careful after picking up an early yellow card his driving out of defence lifted the crowd like only great players can.

Alan Kerins showed how he had learned a lesson from the 2001 final with a great display, which started on John Gardiner before Seán Óg Ó hAilpín came over to tie him up. Gardiner, though, recovered to keep Richie Murray scoreless. Damien Joyce and Derek Hardiman were two more Galway players to come out with enhanced reputations.

To their credit, Galway rallied in the second half but Cork constantly frustrated them by tagging on scores almost immediately after a big point.

The next challenge for Cork is to see how good they can become. I don't see the hunger factor being a problem as they attempt to go where Kilkenny failed and emulate the Cork three-in-a-row team of the 70s.

I remember last year asking Bertie Óg Murphy whether Kilkenny could do this and he said Kilkenny don't do three in a rows but Cork do. And he's right. When January rolls around again they will meet and decide that it is viable.

Galway must deal with the gut-wrenching feeling that comes with losing an All-Ireland final but this feeling is the best possible way to motivate players for the road ahead. It sets them up nicely for next year as they are now a serious force in hurling.

This year will have lifted the spirits in the county but it is just unfortunate that they met a great team at the zenith of their powers.