Galway manager Anthony Cunningham admits that Kilkenny are the 'standard bearers' when it comes to hurling.
Cunningham and his management team have the unenviable task of trying to outwit the genius that is Brian Cody as the sides prepare to meet in Sunday's All-Ireland SHC final.
Kilkenny came out on top in the Leinster final, but Galway's win over Tipperary in the All-Ireland semi-final has given them a renewed confidence as they contest their first final since 2012.
Cunningham knows that it will take a huge effort from his charges to see off the Cats, but he has never been more confident that the players lining out can do the job.
"It is Kilkenny who have brought the level of All-Ireland finals - and championship wins - to the levels they are at now. They are the standard bearers," Cunningham told the Connacht Tribune.
"You have to give them huge credit. That is a testament to Brian Cody and the players. There are fantastic players in Kilkenny and a great management set up.
"As I said, they have raised the bar and continuously come back and put in huge performances. For us, we got to improve again on the semi-final. We definitely know and believe that we are good enough to win it but you have to perform on the day."
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