Late Galway charge denies Kilkenny win in Salthill

A late injury-time rally saw Galway catch Kilkenny right at the death to share the spoils in a see-saw Leinster senior hurling clash.

Galway made a bright start at Pearse Stadium, opening against the wind, but after carving out an early lead they found themselves a point behind by the 19th minute as Kilkenny exerted their dominance. The Cats rattled off four without reply through Tom Phelan, Cian Kenny, TJ Reid (free) and Martin Keoghan, a run which gave them the lead for the first time.

That threw down the gauntlet to Galway, who responded in devastating fashion. Cathal Mannion profited from some indecision in the Kilkenny defence to plunder a 20th minute goal (1-7 to 0-8) and restore Henry Shefflin’s side’s advantage.

The Cats didn’t panic, however, and took control again before the break. With Reid (0-4, 0-3 frees) and Mossy Keoghan (0-2) leading the way they took control again, a long range Mikey Butler score giving them a four-point cushion at half-time (0-16 to 1-9).

Shane Murphy (Kilkenny) in action against Gavin Lee (Galway) Picture: Sportsfile

Kilkenny continued to hold the lead into the second half, when a wind-assisted Galway ramped up the pressure. It looked as if they had weathered the storm until midway through the half, when Brian Concannon pounced to turn a loose ball home before Conor Whelan’s point levelled matters (2-13 to 0-19).

Kilkenny kept their composure and worked hard to take the lead again. The introduction of Jordan Molloy and Owen Wall gave their attack an edge, Wall only denied a goal by a fine Darach Fahy save.

With Molloy and John Donnelly (0-2) finding their range late on it looked like Derek Lyng’s side would leave Salthill with a win. However, points at the death from sub Evan Niland, a mammoth score from half-way, and Conor Whelan saw Galway recover to snatch a draw.

An injury-hit Kilkenny will welcome the week off before they face Carlow in round three, while Galway travel to Wexford to take on the Model County next weekend.

See this week’s People Sport for more match reaction.

SCORERS

Kilkenny - TJ Reid (0-8, 0-6 frees, 0-1 65); Martin Keoghan, John Donnelly (0-4 each); Cian Kenny, Tom Phelan (0-3 each); Richie Reid, Jordan Molloy (0-2 each); Mikey Butler, David Blanchfield, Billy Ryan (0-1 each).

Galway - Evan Niland (0-7, 0-6 frees), Gavin Lee (1-2), Brian Concannon (1-1), Cathal Mannion (0-4), Conor Cooney (0-4, 0-2 frees, 0-1 65), Conor Whelan (0-3), Cianan Fahy (0-2).