What we know so far as Kilkenny club hurling reaches knockout stages

The Kilkenny club championships have reached the first round stages at senior, intermediate and junior levels with teams fighting it out for places in the quarter-finals.

In the St Canice's Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship, Dicksboro and Clara both avoided places in the dreaded relegation finals. In Canon Kearns Park, Clara defeated a spirited Lisdowney in thrilling fashion, winning out on a 2-27 to 3-21 scoreline after extra-time.

In nearby Páirc Lachtain, Dicksboro can also look forward to hurling in the top tier in 2026 after seeing off a late Graigue Ballycallan resurgence to prevail 2-15 to 1-14, condemning the sky blues to a relegation dogfight with Lisdowney in three weeks time.

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In the first round of the hurling championship, the Shamrocks had too much for Erin's Own as they ran out comfortable1-32 to 2-8 winners at senior level, while an Adam Croke hat-trick helped Mooncoin on their way to a comprehensive 6-23 to 1-15 victory over southern rivals Rower Inistioge. 

Also at the intermediate grade, the Blacks & Whites retained their status for a fourth year in a row with a determined performance to come out the right side of a 0-17 to 1-11 scoreline. The Fenians will face the loser of St Lachtains and St Martin's who clash on Sunday at 12pm.

The Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling League and Shield Finals were also down for decision in UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday as the top two from Group A and B faced off in the league and shield finals.

In the shield decider, Dunnamaggin had five points to spare in a 0-17 to 1-9 defeat of Young Irelands, while in the league final James Stephens maintained their unbeaten record and perhaps laid down a championship marker with a 1-23 to 0-17 win over Danesfort. - SEE PICTURES HERE

Meanwhile, in the JJ Kavanagh Junior Hurling League, Barrow Rangers had too much for Cloneen in a 3-18 to 0-16 win.

SUNDAY FIXTURES: