Kilkenny Seniors get off to a flying start in Limerick

Kilkenny started their All-Ireland campaign in menacing fashion as they put Limerick to the sword in a one-sided contest in Rathkeale.

The Cats were too sharp for the home side, who failed to register a score from play, hitting them for a series of early scores that moved them in a lead they would not lose.

Helped on their way by an Aoife Doyle point, Peter Cleere’s side pushed on with quick points from Miriam Walsh and Katie Nolan, while captain Aoife Prendergast slotted over two long-range frees to make it 0-6 to 0-0.

Limerick struggled to retain possession as they passed the sliotar back to their opposition on multiple occasions. Their cause wasn’t helped when they lost Dearbhla Egan with a broken collarbone.

The Treaty side’s first score of the game came courtesy of a Caoimhe Costelloe free after 25 minutes, but Katie Nolan and Aoife Doyle helped Kilkenny finish off the half with a good lead (0-10 to 0-2).

Things did not improve for Limerick after the break as Kilkenny settled in to cruise control from the off, three Aoife Prendergast frees putting more daylight between the sides. These scores were followed by a solo goal from substitute Steffi Fitzgerald, who had just been introduced to the fray, leaving Kilkenny 1-13 to 0-2 up after 40 minutes. 

A second yellow card for Caoimhe Costelloe took the wind out Limerick’s sails completely. Rebecca Delee assumed the free-taking duties and scored two points, but that was as good as it got for the hosts.

Kilkenny’s substitutes made a huge impact coming off the bench with Asha McHardy and Fitzgerald slotting over points.
The damage was done at this point as Kilkenny picked up their first win of the All-Ireland Championship 1-19 to 0-4 win.

Next up for the Cats is a trip to Corrigan Park, Belfast for a meeting with Antrim on Saturday. Throw-in is at 2pm.

Teams and scorers

Kilkenny - Aoife Prendergast (0-5, frees); Katie Nolan (0-4, 0-1 free); Steffi Fitzgerald (1-0); Aoife Doyle (0-3); Asha McHardy, Julianne Malone (0-2 each); Miriam Bambrick, Miriam Walsh, Laura Murphy (0-1 each).

Limerick - Caoimhe Costelloe, Rebecca Delee (0-2 frees each).

Kilkenny - Aoife Norris; Michelle Teehan, Grace Walsh, Katie Byrne; Tiffanie Fitzgerald, Niamh Deely, Miriam Bambrick; Laura Greene, Laura Murphy; Katie Nolan, Katie Power, Aoife Doyle; Julianne Malone, Miriam Walsh, Aoife Prendergast.

Subs: Sarah Barcoe for M Walsh, 26 mins; Steffi Fitzgerald for L Greene, 43 mins; Asha McHardy for A Prendergast, 47 mins; Laura Norris for K Byrne, 52 mins; Sophie O’Dwyer for M Teehan, 55 mins.

Limerick - Ciara Mulqueen; Teresa Dore, Marian Quaid, Cliodhna Ryan; Ciara O’Riordan, Muireann Creamer, Sophie O’Callaghan; Orlaith Kelleher, Dearbhla Egan; Ailbhe Larkin, Rebecca Delee, Stephanie Woulfe (Templeglantine), Caoimhe Costelloe (Adare), Lizanna Boylan (Na Piarsaigh), Caoimhe Lyons (Monaleen).

Subs: Poppy Giltenane for D Egan, 15 mins; Aine Reynolds for C Ryan, h/t; Aoife Nelligan for C O’Riordan, h/t; Laura Fennelly for S Woulfe.

Referee - Cathal McAllister (Cork