Cork's Jerry O'Neill and Kilkenny's Edmond Delaney James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Kilkenny 2-23
Cork 2-18

Fintan O’Toole reports from Páirc Uí Chaoimh

ATTACKER ROBBIE DONNELLY was the star turn as he hit 1-11 in Kilkenny’s comeback victory over Cork in the All-Ireland intermediate hurling final this afternoon in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Kilkenny trailed 1-15 to 0-15 at the end of the third quarter before outscoring Cork 2-7 to 0-1 in the next 13 minutes of action.

Donnelly fired home the first goal from a penalty in the 50th minute after Cork goalkeeper Patrick Collins fouled Darragh Brennan, moments after he produced a superb stop to deny Martin Power from netting.

Kilkenny’s second goal arrived four minutes later when substitute Tom Phelan scrambled home a shot after a long delivery from a free by JP Treacy.

Cork pulled a late goal back when substitute Rob O’Shea rocketed a shot to the net but Kilkenny were full value for their five-point win at the finish.

Cork and Kilkenny players battle for possession James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

The fact that the teams were level eight times in the first half, told the tale of how evenly contested the exchanges were.

Kilkenny trailed 0-9 to 0-7 approaching the interval but were in front 0-11 to 0-10 at the break, largely thanks to a trio of points from Donnelly.

Cork gained a grip on proceedings after half-time with Jerry O’Neill finishing to the net after good work by William Leahy and O’Shea.

They built on that position to go three points in front yet Kilkenny inspired by Donnelly, Edmond Delaney, Paul Holden and Martin Keoghan, had enough scoring power to get over the line.

Scorers for Kilkenny: Robbie Donnelly 1-11 (0-9f, 1-0 pen), Edmond Delaney 0-4, Martin Keoghan, Paul Holden 0-3 each, Tom Phelan 1-0, John Cahill, Martin Power 0-1 each.

Scorers for Cork: Sean Hayes 0-6 (0-5f, 0-1 sideline), Rob O’Shea 1-2 (0-1f), Willie Leahy 0-4, Jerry O’Neill 1-1, Michael Collins, David Drake 0-2 each, Danny Flynn 0-1.

Kilkenny

1. David Aylward (Glenmore)

2. Niall Doherty (Galmoy)
3. Ger Teehan (Graigue Ballycallan)
4. David Prendergast (Thomastown)

5. Barry Whelan (Thomastown)
6. Cormac Fleming (Mooncoin)
7. John Cahill (Carrickshock)

8. J.P. Treacy (Young Irelands)
9. Martin Keoghan (Tullaroan)

10. Paul Holden (Young Irelands)
11. Darragh Brennan (Carrickshock – captain)
12. Edmond Delaney (Conahy Shamrocks)

13. Sean Carey (Young Irelands)
14. Martin Power (Piltown)
15. Robbie Donnelly (Thomastown)

Subs

22. Tom Phelan (Conahy Shamrocks) for Fleming (half-time)
21. Liam Hickey (St Lachtain’s) for Carey (40)
19. James Power (John Lockes) for Delaney (61)
20. Colum Prendiville (Graigue-Ballycallan) for Keoghan (61)
23. Damien Walsh (Carrickshock) for Cahill (64)

Cork

1. Patrick Collins (Ballinhassig)

2. Brian O’Sullivan (Fermoy)
3. Shane O’Donovan (Mayfield – captain)
4. Shane Hegarty (Dungourney)

5. Kieran Morrison (Fermoy)
6. Donnacha O’Donovan (Ballinhassig)
7. Kevin Kavanagh (Carrigaline)

8. Danny O’Flynn (Charleville)
9. Michael Collins (Ballinhassig)

10. Darren Casey (Charleville)
11. Nicky Kelly (Mayfield)
12. Gerry O’Neill (Courcey Rovers)

13. Sean Hayes (Mallow)
14. Willie Leahy (Aghada)
15. David Drake (Carrigaline)

Subs

18. Tomas Lawrence (Brian Dillons) for Morrison (half-time)
22. Rob O’Shea (Carrigaline) for Casey (half-time)
21. John Cooper (Éire Óg) for Flynn (44)
24. Mark Kennefick (Ballygarvan) for Hayes (51)
23. Noel McNamara (Kilworth) for O’Neill (56)

Referee: Colum Cunning (Antrim)

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