[4] Kildare were marginal favourites to take the title after dethroning reigning champions Kerry in a tight and close game.

From his own defence, he proceeded to charge up the field at lightning pace, exchanging a pass with Kevin Walsh in midfield.

After the restart, Ja Fallon sniped a point off the arrears before Pádraic Joyce struck with a wonderful goal where he rounded goalkeeper Christy Byrne before finishing in front of an empty net.

Kildare managed to cut the lead to three before injury time but Galway had the final score, courtesy of De Paor to give them their first title in 32 years.

Michael Donnellan's run from defence culminating in a Seán Óg De Paor point was voted #1 in the 2005 TV programme Top 20 GAA Moments.