The most eagerly-anticipated head-to-head was unquestionably the clash of the two captains, Kerry's Seamus Moynihan and Galway's Padraig Joyce. Team-mates and friends at IT Tralee, both men have claims to be their respective team's most influential players of the season (with respect to Mike Frank Russell and Michael Donnellan). In the end it proved just a 26-minute affair as Joyce was required for fire-fighting duties on the half-forward line.
1st minute: Joyce leaves Moynihan to come out 40 yards from goal near the sideline, exchanges passes with Joe Bergin before driving wide.
10th minute: Long ball out of Galway defence between the pair breaks to Paul Clancy, who shoots wide.
13th minute: Classic Moynihan - Standing in front of Joyce, he intercepts a dangerous-looking high pass from Derek Savage, fields and clears with aplomb.
18th minute: Moynihan attempts a flying interception over Savage's head.
19th minute: Joyce fouls Mick McCarthy as Kerry clear their lines.
22nd minute: First intimation that Joyce will be brought out to centre forward as he briefly swaps with Clancy.
23rd minute: Moynihan catches and clears in trademark fashion.
26th minute: Joyce switch is made.
