Walsh Cup Round 1- Main Talking Points

MAIN MAN
BILLY DRENNAN
There were plenty of good performances in Callan on Sunday, but the steady show from Billy Drennan was most impressive.
The Galmoy man has been a name many have looked out for throughout the years from under-age right through to his involvement with the under-20s as they landed the All-Ireland last year. With Derek Lyng taking over the reins of the seniors, speculation was more when and not if he could feature with the senior side, so it was no surprise to see him line out at full-forward for the new manager.
He had an early chance to get on the scoresheet, and duly delivered the first point of the Lyng era from a confident free. He ended the day as Kilkenny’s top scorer - beaten only by the equally impressive Cillian Kiely - and can be happy with his senior intercounty debut. So too can Des Dunne, Conor Heary and Timmy Clifford, who took his chance when introduced from the bench.

TURNING POINT
While Ian Byrne’s first half goal gave the Cats a solid advantage, it wasn’t until Tom Phelan hit the net in the second half that they really could start to believe that victory was a possibility. The strike, coupled with the introduction of the likes of Mikey Butler, Timmy Clifford and Padraig Walsh, gave the side a mix of steel and energy as they took the game to Offaly.

TALKING POINT
The only cause for concern was how the Cats drifted out of the game at stages - but once the rustiness is knocked off and skills sharpened the young team will be a different prospect.

WHAT NOW?
Kilkenny travel to Rathdowney to play Laois this Sunday in their second round Walsh Cup clash.