The main talking points as St Lachtain's taste Leinster club success

MAIN MAN
Liam Hickey (St Lachtain’s)
The classy inside forward scored three points from play on a difficult day for free-flowing hurling. Along with James Maher, and Shane Donnelly, he was part of a forward line that looked a threat every time they got the ball and his return to the team in recent weeks has provided a massive boost.

TURNING POINT
It was only when Cian Dawson got Freshford’s third goal that they managed to gain control of the contest as prior to that 52nd minute effort, the title appeared to be slipping away from St Lachtain’s.

TALKING POINT
The choice of venue proved to be a major discussion point as SETU Carlow played host to the Leinster decider after UPMC Nowlan Park was deemed unplayable on the back of damage to one of the goalposts in the aftermath of Storm Darragh. Despite St Lachtain’s been fixed for having the game at a Kilkenny venue, the clash was moved to the south-east college ground despite the Freshford club offering up their well polished home venue as a possibility.

Highlight
This victory for Freshford was a big boost to Kilkenny hurling as a defeat would have seen the county claim a barren year at Leinster club level for the first time ever and maintains club interest for at least another week.

Ref Watch
The Kildare official allowed the game to flow and while there was question marks over one or two frees, the quality of the game was rewarded.

WHAT NOW?
St Lachtain’s will now face Sligo and Connacht champions Easkey in the All-Ireland Junior Hurling Semi-Final in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe at 1pm on Sunday afternoon.

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