Kilkenny 1-22
Cork 2-17
Fintan O’Toole reports from Páirc Uí Rinn
ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS Kilkenny were short several established players tonight but it didn’t stop them from winning away from home in their opening Allianz Division 1A hurling league game.
Brian Cody’s side endured a nervy finish as Cork grabbed late goals from Luke O’Farrell and Conor Lehane to move back into contention. But ultimately Kilkenny held on for a two-point success and it was richly deserved.
Kilkenny were ahead 1-11 to 0-12 at the break with Jonjo Farrell firing the vital goal in the first-half when he scrambled the ball to the net in the 10th minute after Anthony Nash blocked Walter Walsh’s initial drive.
Kilkenny’s hurling was crisp and impressive tonight. Retirements, injuries and Ballyhale’s club campaign meant there team sheet had an unfamiliar look in places yet players like Mark Kelly and Walter Walsh put their hand up for recognition with strong, forceful displays.
Richie Hogan produced flashes of his Hurler of the Year form, Lester Ryan hurled a world of ball at midfield while Paul Murphy, Jackie Tyrrell and Kieran Joyce helped ensure at the back that Kilkenny were largely watertight until Cork did generate a strong finish.
The scoring exchanges in a lively first-half were relentless with Patrick Horgan, Conor Lehane and Alan Cadogan striking some majestic points for Cork. It was 1-5 to 0-7 in Kilkenny’s favour by the 22nd minute and the teams stayed close to each other until the interval.
The terms of the second-half were set by Kilkenny as Cork’s performance level dipped notably. It was 1-14 to 0-13 in the 42nd minute but then Kilkenny took over to stretch eight clear.
Cork finally roused themselves in the closing stages. The contribution of their substitutes helped with Luke O’Farrell diverting a high ball to the net in the 63rd minute to breathe new life into their challenge. Kilkenny looked to have put the game to bed after that with some key points but Cork gave the home support one last cheer when Conor Lehane scrambled a late goal.
It was too little too late as Cork’s second-half fadeout ensured their night’s endeavours were fruitless. Next Saturday’s tie with Clare now assumes greater importance while Kilkenny headed home after a fine start to the league.
Scorers for Kilkenny: Richie Hogan 0-11 (0-7f, 0-1 ’65), Mark Kelly 0-4, Walter Walsh 0-3, Jonjo Farrell 1-0, Kieran Joyce, Lester Ryan, Padraig Walsh, Matthew Ruth 0-1 each.
Scorers for Cork: Patrick Horgan 0-9 (0-7f, 0-1 ’65), Conor Lehane 1-2, Luke O’Farrell 1-0, Alan Cadogan 0-2, Daniel Kearney, Seamus Harnedy, Bill Cooper, Paudie O’Sullivan 0-1 each.
KILKENNY
1. Eoin Murphy (Glenmore)
2. Tomas Keogh (James Stephens)
3. Paul Murphy (Danesfort)
4. Jackie Tyrrell (James Stephens)
5. Brian Kennedy (St Lachtains)
6. Kieran Joyce (Rower Inistioge)
7. Cillian Buckley (Dicksboro)
8. Conor Fogarty (Erins Own)
9. Lester Ryan (Clara)
10. Padraig Walsh (Tullaroan)
11. Walter Walsh (Tullogher Rosbercon)
12. Matthew Ruth (James Stephens)
13. Mark Kelly (O’Loughlin Gaels)
14. Jonjo Farrell (Thomastown)
15. Richie Hogan (Danesfort)
Subs
20. Geoff Brennan for Fogarty (inj) (17)
CORK
1. Anthony Nash (Kanturk)
2. Damien Cahalane (St.Finbarr’s)
3. Christopher Joyce (Na Piarsaigh)
4. Conor O’Sullivan (Sarsfields)
5. Cormac Murphy (Mallow)
6. Mark Ellis (Millstreet)
7. Aidan Walsh (Kanturk)
8. Daniel Kearney (Sarsfield)
9. Patrick Cronin (Bishopstown)
10. Seamus Harnedy (St. Ita’s)
11. Bill Cooper (Youghal)
12. Conor Lehane (Midleton)
13. Alan Cadogan (Douglas)
14. Paudie O’Sullivan (Cloyne)
15. Patrick Horgan (Glen Rovers)
Subs
19. Lorcán McLoughlin (Kanturk) for Cronin (45)
24. Luke O’Farrell (Midleton) for Cooper (49)
22. Cian McCarthy (Sarsfields) for O’Sullivan (49)
17. Shane O’Neill (Bishopstown) for Cahalane (56)
25. Stephen Moylan (Douglas) for Cadogan (65)
Jacob Stockdale. What an exciting prospect for Ulster and Ireland.
Piutau’s a bit of a waste of money. They could be giving all his game-time to Stockdale.
It would be a serious oversight by Schmidt not to make room for Stockdale in the touring party for the Summer Tour. He could be tearing it up for Ireland come World Cup time if he’s backed
@clubber lang: Don’t think he’s been a waste of money, he was unbelievable for Wasps last season. It’s hard to look good in a poor team. Ulster’s problem is their pack. I don’t think any opposing teams ever fear coming up against Ulsters pack. Even Rory Best was poor today, missed too many tackles; including the one for the second Ospreys try.
Tough luck, Ulster. It seems Les Kiss just isn’t up to the head coach role.
Some serious changes needed, like with Munster last season.
He has to go. Total embarrassment as coach. He has lost the players and the fans..
I think he’ll get another season. Some major changes in the back room staff next season as well, which will make a difference.
Lads… he’s moving to Director of Rugby next Season with Jono Gibbes coming in as head coach. You might have seen it in the papers?
Kiss comes across as a bit tentative and unsure of himself in interviews, which wouldn’t exactly inspire confidence in players (if this translates to his coaching). His playbook seems quite easy for defences to read, because teams are always rushing up and putting the Ulster receiver under pressure. It’ll be interesting to see what difference Gibbes can make to the forward play and the attack
@Conor Paddington: Kiss is not moving, he has been Director of rugby for nearly 3 years. Gibbs is replacing Neil Doak as head coach.
All I’ve been hearing the last few years is how talented Ulster backline but not one of them has stood up and actually proved their potential or came close to it. Jackson Henderson Best only ones worthy of an Irish shirt. Olding, Mc Closkey, Marshall and Gilroy to hit and miss.
Kiss is believed to be coaching backs. Doak has been sidelined. Rumoured to have been dustup at training between coaches
Jonny Gibbes can’t get there quick enough. He has a big job on his hands.
Tragic effort from Ulster. Frustrating to watch.
Osprey should get hosed by Leinster or Munster. Ulster need have a good look at their plan.
Treadwell can give Henderson lessons on ball carrying and hitting the line at pace while they sit out playoff rugby
Shane Logan continuously laments about Ulster’s bank balance , let’s start spending some of it and bring the best of Irish to Ravenhill. Starting with Mark McCall .
Ulster are in a sorry state…. they are a far better side than the way they are playing at present…. I fear for them against a 2nd string Leinster team which they will more than likely face next week
Just let’s forget this season and start planning for next
It’s understandable that the confidence has gone and the players are already on the beach.
Game plan deficiencies and playing as individuals mimicking headless chickens.
I am not overly delighted about it but there is no doubt that the 3 South Africans in the pack next year , will make a huge difference. If we are to believe all we read, they are all big ball carriers and our brief glimpse of Marcel confirms this in the few games he managed.
Once the pack competes it will take a lot of pressure of the backs
Onward and upward
It’s pretty obvious that the Ulster players have no faith in their coaches;no skill level,no heart,no team.
.
If you think Ulster are poor Connacht are playing absolutely shockingly,31 minutes gone and 22-3 down Scarlets bonus point in the bag.
@Peter Dunne: Yeah, I know Scarlets are in good form and Connacht are just waiting for the Champions Cup play offs but it’s am extremely poor showing in Galway so far.
@Peter Dunne: should have seen the Munster match. they won but, ugh, awful.
@Peter Dunne: Worrying for Irish rugby. Both Ulster and Connacht have looked shocking at the business end of the season.
That Olding fella is finished, never a good player….more time shud hav been given to stockdale who would’nt have featured today only for olding getting injured
@Brian Shaw: ignorant troll.
@Paul McCutcheon: I wouldnt be saying that if I was an Ulster fan because there pathetic to watch these days…a far cry from what they were a few years back….playing a load of “funkers”….poor aul Olding doesnt know which position is best