Kilkenny senior hurling shock as Glenmore send James Stephens down

A strong performance filled with hard running and a never-say-die attitude saw Glenmore save their senior hurling skins.

The South Kilkenny side had their work cut out but, inspired by Alan Murphy, they dug deep to send James Stephens down to the intermediate ranks at a windy Thomastown on Saturday.

In a game full of twists and turns Glenmore found themselves a man up midway through the first half, but went in two points down (3-5 to 1-9) after Brian Cody’s Village plundered late goals through Tadhg O’Dwyer and Eoin Guilfoyle.

With the strong wind at their backs for the second half James Stephens looked to kick on, but they hit a number of wides, allowing Glenmore to clear their heads and get back in the game. Helped by Charlie Phelan’s big score in the 43rd minute they did just that. With Alan Murphy and Cian Kenny duking it out on the frees, the sides were all square with 10 minutes to go (Glenmore 2-13, James Stephens 3-10).

The final stages saw Glenmore use their extra man wisely, working the ball around the Village attack as spaces opened up. Stretching the game they edged ahead through points from the impressive Billy Reid, Ger Aylward and Ian Byrne, before sub Ethan Phelan broke through for a late goal that all but sealed their win and the Village’s fate.

SCORERS

Glenmore - Alan Murphy (0-7, 0-6 frees, 0-1 65); Charlie Phelan (1-2); Ger Aylward (1-1); Ethan Phelan (1-0); Ciaran Kirwan, Cathal Beirne (0-2 each); Micheál Harney, Billy Reid, Ian Byrne (0-1 each).

James Stephens - Cian Kenny (0-6, frees); Eoin Guilfoyle (1-1); Luke Scanlon, Tadhg O’Dwyer (1-0 each); Ed McDermott, Ed Lauhoff (0-2 each); Ross Whelan (0-1).