Search Results for 'Leinster Senior Hurling Championship'

To say I am lost for words after Kilkenny’s dismal display last Sunday is putting it very mildly. The defeat is one thing but the manner of it is of more concern. First things first, hats off to Dublin on winning their first National League title since 1939 they were truly magnificent on the day and thoroughly deserved their victory.

In recent years Semple Stadium has become the spiritual home for the National Hurling League Final. Geographically it probably suited all participating counties. However with the Dubs reaching the final for the first time since 1946 the authorities in HQ have in one way made a constructive effort to attract a big crowd by holding it in Croke Park only to shoot themselves in the foot with the admission fee of €25.

Kilkenny 3-11, Dublin 1-17

Although Kilkenny Firsts secured a place in next seasons Leinster Division 2 by beating opponents Gorey (34 -13) in Foulkstown on Saturday, this week the spotlight must be shone brightly on Kilkenny Seconds who beat Gorey Seconds in the Leinster Seconds Provincial League Cup final.

It’s on a sad note that I start this week's column after the passing of Eamon Hennessy, one of Kilkenny's most devoted fans. The kind-hearted Eamon who lost his battle with illness last Tuesday was known and respected the length and breadth of Ireland.

Kilkenny suffered their first league defeat of the 2011 Allianz Hurling League when they lost to defending champions, Galway, in an exciting encounter in Pearse Stadium. Having enjoyed an excellent start, thanks to early goals from Michael Fennelly and Eddie Brennan, Kilkenny led by 2-3 to no score after seven minutes but they gradually lost their way after this and trailed by two points at the break 2-7 to Galway to Kilkenny's 2-5.

It’s a pity really that after three rounds of the National Hurling League the main talking point is not of the action but of the low attendance’s. Everyone has their own views as to why this is happening, some experts are blaming the Saturday night flood light games. This theory doesn't wash with me because the facts are that the biggest crowds for league matches this year in either code were for games under lights.

Kilkenny made it three wins from three games in the Allianz Hurling League following Sunday’s victory over Wexford in Nowlan Park. Goals from TJ Reid and James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick saw them establish a 2-9 to 0-6 interval lead and while Wexford, improved after the break and made Kilkenny work to the finish they never looked like winning the game.  

Isn’t hurling a funny old game? Two weeks ago at Nowlan Park, Kilkenny put up a decent first half performance against Cork, and for their efforts they took an eight point lead into the second 35 minutes of action.

Followers of Kilkenny rugby have witnessed some fine battles in Foulkstown in their day; however, this Provincial Towns Cup, First Round tie against Division 1A side, Skerries, on Sunday, was probably the finest display of sheer courage witnessed in a long time.