The Main Talking Points as St Lachtain's defeat Windgap in Kilkenny Junior Hurling Championship Final

MAIN MAN
Brian Kennedy (St Lachtain’s)
The Freshford centre back had a massive impact on Saturday’s junior county hurling final as he played a huge part in his side’s victory. Kennedy had the task of taking up Windgap dangerman Emmet Landy and while the attacker finished with 1-3, the Freshford man restricted him to just a point from play as the St Lachtain’s defence locked down their opponents. As well as standing out in defence, the Freshford man of the match also got forward for his own score. Cathal O’Leary, James Maher and Padraig Donnelly amongst others also impressed in the victory.

TURNING POINT
Prior to Freshford finding the net, there was very little between the sides but once Paddy Killeen goaled in the 38th minute to give St Lachtain’s a 1-10 to 1-8 advantage, there was no looking back for Steven Farrell’s outfit. Windgap only scored four more points from that point on and with Cathal O’Leary nabbing a second goal shortly afterwards, the result was set in stone.

Highlight
As is usually the case with the season heading into November, the weather conditions made things difficult but the two sides still engaged in a hugely enjoyable contest. The quality of the hurling may have been dented but with big hits and quality defending excelling, the crowd in attendance was on edge throughout.

Lowlight
The one week delay to the championship means Freshford only have a few days to prepare for their Leinster opener as they return to action this weekend.

TALKING POINT
Windgap will look back on a number of missed opportunities in the first half in particular as they let the game get away from them somewhat. Emmet Landy had an off day on the place balls while his replacement James Power also had the odd difficulty with their opponents taking their chances more regularly.

WHAT NOW?
St Lachtain’s face Drumcullen of Offaly in the opening round of the Leinster Junior Hurling Championship in UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday afternoon at 1.30pm.