Kilkenny put on a good disply when defeating Waterford fairly comprehensively by 0-26 to 3-9 in an entertaining challenge game in Tallow on Sunday night in front of an attendance of over 2000 people.The game marked the official opening of Páirc Eamonn De Paor in Tallow, commemorating the late Ned Power who starred as Waterford hurling goalkeeper in the late 1950’s and 1960’s. GAA president Christy Cooney performed the opening and also unveiled a magnificent bronze statue of the goalkeeping hero. The game was notable for Kilkenny supporters as it marked the return to inter county action of Henry Shefflin who lined out at full forward for the black and amber.Henry reistered a total of eight points in all , three of which came from play. Kilkenny will be happy with the form showed in their eight-point win, but will wonder how they failed to raise a green flag as on an least three occasions some excellent approach work in the build up should have yielded goals.. Kilkenny dominated the first half with the half back line of Tommy Walsh, Brian Hogan and Paddy Hogan in good form and T.J. Reid dominant in the middle of the field. Reid helped himself to four first half points as did Henry Shefflin, two of which came from frees, while Richie Hogan(3), Michael Rice(2) and Richie Power(2) also raised white flags. Kilkenny’s interval lead of 0-15 to 1-5 five would have been greater had Seamus Prendergast not goaled for the Déise after twenty five minutes when he fielded a high ball and kicked to the net.
Waterford enjoyed a good start to the second half when Eoin Kelly struck a goal from close range, but Kilkenny continued to fire over the points and remained in control of the game. Both sides introduced substitutes as the half progressed and Waterford struck for a third goal with five minutes remaining, an excellent effort from Thomas Ryan.However Kilkenny finished strongly and added further points from substitute Conor Fogarty and Henry Shefflin to wrap up a good display.
Scorers for Kilkenny: H. Shefflin (0-8, 0-4 frees, 0-2 65s’); T. J. Reid (0-5); R. Hogan (0-4); M. Rice (0-2); R. Power (0-2); J. Mulhall (0-2); P. Hogan, C. Fennelly, C. Fogarty (0-1) each.
Scorers for Waterford: E. Kelly (1-2, 0-2 frees); T. Ryan (1-1); S. Prendergast (1-1); R. Foley (0-3, 0-2 frees, 0-1 65’)’ J. Nagle, D. O’Sullivan (0-1) each.
KILKENNY: D. Herity; P. Murphy, N. Hickey, J. Tyrell; T. Walsh, B. Hogan, P. Hogan; T. J. Reid, C. Fennelly; M. Rice, R. Power, E. Brennan; M. Ruth. H. Shefflin. R. Hogan. Subs: J. Mulhall for C.Fennelly (46 mins); R. Doyle for R.Power (46m); M. Kavanagh for J.Tyrell (52m); C. Fogarty for M.Ruth (55m); P. J. Delaney for B. Hogan (60m); K. Joyce for M.Rice (60m).
WATERFORD: A. Power; D. Prendergast, W. Hutchinson, A. Kearney; P. Mahony, K. Moran, J. Nagle; S. Molumphy, R. Foley; G. Crotty, S. Fives, E. McGrath; T. Ryan, S. Prendergast, E. Kelly. Sub: S. O’Keeffe for Power; N. Connors for D. Prendergast; M. Walsh for E.McGrath; S. Casey for S.Fives; T. Browne for P.Mahony ( all at half time); D. O’Sullivan for R.Foley (48mins).
By Mary Morgan Mon 23rd May
