Joint Kilkenny selector Michael Dempsey was happy with his sides determined display in Brian Cody's absence, as the Cats book a home Allianz League Final date with Tipperary, following a seven-point win over Galway at Semple Stadium.

In arrears early on with Cyril Donnellan netting a fourth-minute goal for the Tribesmen, Kilkenny bounced back to take a 0-15 to 1-6 interval lead, with Colin Fennelly netting their lone goal in the 45th minute.

"Obviously we are happy with the result, " Dempsey said afterwards.

"Galway put it up to us early on and scored a goal and had us a bit rattled early on. We were slightly nervous and Galway got into the ascendancy, but we fought back well and got off to the second half strongly.

"We missed a few goal chances, but when we got the goal it made it easier for us after that.

"It was a great performance by the lads against the breeze in the second half. The players showed a great attitude."

Dempsey conceded it was a bit strange without Brian Cody being on the sideline.

"It wasn't the same at all. It his probably killing him not to be here today, but he is getting on very well.

"Brian has being around for too long not to have an influence still, so really it is much the same and we are all conscious of his absence.

"It's unusual not to have him on the sideline. We like to be looking at him driving things on, but today unfortunately he couldn't be here, but his spirit drove us on and that was great." Tweet

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