Kilkenny Hockey- Cats make their point in season opener

The new hockey season started in positive fashion for the Kilkenny ladies first team as they claimed a point in their Division One opener with Clontarf.

Armed with a new management team of Danny Mulligan as head coach and Jenny Wallace as manager, the Cats looked to be an organised outfit from the get-go.

The home side began the game with plenty possession. Sinead Connery zipped a pass to Sara Browne, who picked out speedy winger Ally Carter, who made a threatening run towards the opposition circle and the Cats were awarded the opening penalty corner of the game within minutes. Despite their best efforts, the Clontarf ’keeper pulled off some fine saves to keep the game very much in the balance at the end of the opening quarter.

The second quarter saw Kilkenny find their rhythm, with the squad inspired by the return of former Irish hockey star Aine Connery. Connery’s slick stickwork saw her navigate her way around the pitch with ease.

On the half hour mark, an inch-perfect pass from midfielder Cliodhna O’Connor saw Connery’s reverse strike flash the wrong side of the goalpost, leaving both sides goalless.

Clontarf looked a different side in the second half and put the Kilkenny defence of Jess Cary, Clair Phelan, Niamh Spratt O’Shea, Ally Williams and squad newcomers Lucy Simms and Sam Willis under pressure. The visitors won a penalty corner, which they duly converted. The Cats were chasing the game - but heads never dropped. In a matter of minutes, sharp-shooter Sue Shirley managed to score a well executed drag flick from a penalty corner.

The final quarter saw lots of drama unfold as both teams went in search of the winning goal. Clontarf managed to win themselves another penalty corner and took full advantage, bagging themselves their second goal of the game, despite the best efforts of the Kilkenny defence. Just when Clontarf looked set for the win Kilkenny’s Ciara Mahon made a darting run up the left wing with the ball. With a matter of seconds left on the clock, Mahon crossed the ball to team captain Paula Farrell who rounded the Clontarf goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the net, earning Kilkenny a well deserved draw.

The team thanked their loyal supporters for their continued encouragement, with special mention to Nuala Crotty, an avid reader of every Kilkenny Hockey Club article.

Kilkenny Firsts: Jess Cary, Niamh Spratt O’Shea, Clair Phelan, Paula Farrell (C), Lucy Simms, Sam Willis, Sara Browne, Ally Williams, Sinead Connery, Cliodhna O’Connor, Sue Shirley, Ally Carter, Ciara Mahon, Aine Connery, Louise Kenny, Tyla Sanderson.

Management: Danny Mulligan and Jenny Wallace.