Thomastown shine as they begin senior life with a win - Kilkenny Live

Thomastown began life in the St Canice's Credit Union Senior Hurling League after over three decades away on a positive note beating 13-man James Stephens on Saturday afternoon.

The 2023 intermediate champions were deserving winners in a muggy Bennettsbridge with their transition to the top tier reasonably smooth on day one.

James Stephens' loss may have been on the cards with 15 players but 49th minute red cards to Niall Brassil and substitute Niall Delaney certainly compounded a disappointing first day out for Brian Cody's charges.

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A 14th minute Thomastown goal was the catalyst to the southerners victory as Robbie Donnelly's high ball met the hand of Stephen Donnelly who after an initial block down bundled the ball to the net on the second occasion to open up a 1-5 to 0-2 lead at that stage of the contest. 

The Village men did show resistance and found their feet as the half developed with Niall Brassil, Luke Scanlon and Willie Spencer among their scorers to keep them in touch at 1-12 to 0-11 at half-time.

Thomastown continued to edge the game as the second half began with the three Donnellys; John, Robbie and Stephen putting in good showings.

However, the game was still very much in the melting pot heading into the final 13 minutes at 1-18 to 0-16 in favour of Noel Doherty's men.

A critical blow for James Stephens soon followed as after a foul on John Donnelly, the actions of Niall Brassil and Niall Delaney were punished by referee Sean Cleere who gave both men their marching orders.

The incident ended Village hopes of a win as Thomastown drove home to secure a six point victory.

Thomastown will face Bennettsbridge in a local derby next weekend while James Stephens will take on Dicksboro in an all city affair.

See this week's Kilkenny People for a full match report.

STARTING TEAMS:

Thomastown: D Galwey; P Connellan, J Burke, N Kirwan; B Staunton, E Donnelly, Z Bay Hammond; B O'Hanrahan, P McDonald; R Donnelly; L Connellan, J Donnelly; T O'Hanrahan, J Holden, S Donnelly.

James Stephens: G Costigan; S Donohoe, L Murphy, M Byrne; N Brassil, D Cody, N Mullins; C Kenny, R Whelan; A Parsons, S Manogue, O Bateman; E Guilfoyle, W Spencer, L Scanlon. 

Referee: Sean Cleere