 In his opening season as coach and selector, Connolly's team surrendered their National League crown, however, a shock All-Ireland semi-final defeat of reigning champions Kilkenny propelled Galway to a championship showdown with old rivals Tipperary.Galway put it up to Tipp, however, two goals by Mark O'Leary gave the Munster men the threshold to withstand a Galway comeback.With nine minutes to go Galway were only a point in arrears, however, Tipperary outscored Galway by five to three in those closing minutes.