Kilkenny withstood a ferocious comeback to win the First Year Hurling League by a three point margin. It looked like they had wrapped up the victory when they were six points clear in the dying minutes but a goal by Darragh Whelan gave Galway hope and they had two late chances for more goals pulled back by the referee due to fouls.
This spirited game of hurling was entertaining from the first minute to the last. Jack O’Leary had a big say in the destination of the title with a fine total of 2-2 and he also put in some serious defending.
The game was all square at half-time (2-1 each) as Kilkenny reeled in Galway who had gone in front with goals from Cathal Kirwan and Jordan Hayes.
However the third quarter belonged to Kilkenny as Philip Rawson, Aaron Walsh and Jack O’Leary dominated. Jack O’Leary scored 1-2 and Philip Rawson’s goal looked to have sealed victory for Ben McMahon’s team.
However Galway came back into the game as Cathal Kirwan and Jordan Hayes began to exert their influence. They set up Darragh Whelan and his powerful ground stroke went to the net but those late controversial refereeing decisions meant that Kilkenny ended up as winners by 4-4 to 4-1.
Kilkenny: Ben McMahon (Capt.), Jack O’Leary (2-2), James Byrne, Aaron Walsh (0-1), Philip Rawson (2-1), Cian Rossiter, Finian Coughlan.
Galway: Cathal Kirwan (Capt., 1-1), Darragh Whelan (1-0), Jordan Hayes (1-0), Ryan Dempsey, Shane Hall, Cian O’Connor, Patsy Whelan (1-0).
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