[15] This was Spillane's last appearance as a pundit on The Sunday Game after three decades, having decided to retire at the end of the 2022 GAA season.

[21] Galway aimed to win a tenth All-Ireland; this would make them only the third county to reach double figures in the all-time rankings.

[41] The Athlone Railway Bridge was lit up in maroon and white colours in a show of support for the Galway footballers.

Three minutes later, Galway had the first goal chance of the day but Johnny Heaney's effort was partially blocked by Kerry's Stephen O'Brien, and the ball went over the bar.

Kerry's opening point arrived a minute later, David Clifford putting over after calling for the mark in front of goals.

Often stripped of possession when they took the ball into the tackle, facing a heavily-manned Galway defence, they were unable to create any goal chances or much in the way of flowing moves.

[48] Galway, as the underdogs, played dominantly throughout the opening 35 minutes, scoring seven points to take a one-point lead in at half-time, 0–8 to 0–7, resulting in a rousing rendition of "The Fields of Athenry" ringing out around Croke Park.

At six apiece, corner-back Jack Glynn side-stepped a tackle, darted into traffic, somehow extricated himself before clipping over a point.

The teams were level four times in the opening ten minutes of the second half before Kieran Molloy and Shane Walsh sent Galway two clear.

[10] On 67 minutes, with pressure ratcheting up on Kerry, Damien Comer, largely blunted as an attacking force, won a turnover near the Cusack Stand, was shunted to the deck and denied a free.

As the players grappled, Tyrone referee Sean Hurson immediately whistled for a Kerry free, signalling that Daly had grabbed Spillane's arm in contact.

Amid a sustained volley of boos – aimed at the referee Hurson, his first All-Ireland SFC final, rather than the kicker – David Clifford curled over the lead score from a very tight angle.

[51][52] Kerry, who weathered a shaky opening 35 minutes to come strong in the final quarter, late points from David Clifford, Killian Spillane, Gavin White and Seán O'Shea with five minutes remaining saw the team win the game by four points, to claim their 38th title.

Above all, it was a game adorned by majestic displays from the both teams' most gifted forwards, Shane Walsh and David Clifford.

Winning the final quarter by six points was reflective of their control to land the prize this group had long desired.

"[60] Galway manager Pádraic Joyce spoke to RTÉ after the match and paid tribute to his squad and their efforts.

[64] David Clifford won the man of the match award which was presented by GAA president Larry McCarthy at the Kerry team's celebration banquet in Dublin.

[68] The Kerry team made their way on an open deck bus from Boherbee to a "Welcome Home" reception in Denny Street at around 6:30pm.