Galway capped their promotion to Division 1, by defeated Kildare in the Division 2 Final in Croke Park. 

A 0-18 to 0-16 win over their Leinster opponents saw Kevin Walsh's side win in Croke Park for the first time since their 2001 All-Ireland Final win.

Five unanswered points in the middle of the second-half turned a three-point deficit into a two-point lead for the Connacht Champions. From there, Walsh's side never were in control of the game.

Kevin Feely and Niall Kelly were the game's top-scorers. The Kildare duo scored 0-4 each. For Galway, Sean Armstrong and Shane Walsh both scored 0-3.

Both teams will play in Division 1 next year, but it will be Galway who enter the Championship with the April book of some silverware.

 Kildare's Fionn Dowling and Johnny Heaney of Galway. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

 Kildare's Fergal Conway reacts after winning a free. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

 Kildare's Tommy Moolick and Sean Armstrong of Galway. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

 Kildare's Eoin Doyle dejected after the game. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie

Galway's Gary O'Donnell lifts the trophy. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/James Crombie