Match Report:

St. Kieran’s laid the foundations of victory in the first half, after which they led by 1-5 to 0-5, after playing against the breeze. They were dominating the game but were not registering the scores. From frees and play the Kilkenny side exasperated their followers by missing chance after chance.

Into the new half the Noresiders were still dominant but they again embarked ona run of poor shooting. Eventually St. Flannans came at them strongly and almost snatched an equalising goal which might have been the inspiration they needed.

Conor  Manogue went to tip the ball to safety but was met by an inrushing forward and the ball cannoned off the crossbar.

St Flannans continued to chase an equalising goal and almost got one. Captain Noel Maher brilliantly robbed a Clare forward before delivering a long ball to P.J Delaney who nipped in for his second goal. Then five minutes later Kieran’s got the “insurance point” there was no way back for the Delecassions.

Kieran’s made a vital move in the second half by switching Andy Comeford to centre forward and moving Canice Brennan out the wing. This change benefited both players and helped to open up the losers defence.

Eddie Dwyer was injured in the first half but such was the spirit of the team he stayed going until 15 minutes from the end. This made the Noresiders victory even sweeter, along with a fantastic first goal by Delaney, a ground stroke shot that went head high into the net and left the goalie no chance. Kieran’s can certainly look back on a job well done. All in all a great day for underage hurling in Kilkenny.

Back Row: Barry Power, Ger Power, Joe Dermody, Canice Brennan, Philip Carroll, J.J. Drennan, David Walsh, Tobias White.

Middle Row: Eugene Somers, Michael Owens, Martin Carey, Niall Skehan, Andy Comerford, Philip Larkin.

Front Row: P.J. Delaney, Larry Mahoney, Bryan Hanrahan, Seán Ryan, Pat Carroll, Noel Maher (Capt.), Conor Manogue, Pat Purcell, Eddie Dwyer.