Allianz NHL- Kilkenny claim crucial opening league victory over Clare

Kilkenny came from behind to defeat the defending All-Ireland champions Clare in an entertaining Division 1B league clash in Ennis.

Despite only having five starters from the meeting between the two sides in last year's All-Ireland Semi-Final, Clare led for large spells but the Cats battled away with Eoin Cody and Luke Hogan grabbing stoppage time scores to put the seal on the win.

When the game was in the melting pot throughout a competitive second half, it was the likes of Peter McDonald and Mossy Keoghan who were both superb as well as the sub impact of Gearoid Dunne, Luke Connellan and Luke Hogan that got Kilkenny the narrow two point success.

Derek Lyng's side looked in real trouble early on as Clare raced into an early four point lead with David Reidy  scoring from play and frees and David Conroy and Shane Meehan also chipping in.

Clare's efficiency was such that they didn't register a single wide in the opening half though the visitors did respond to get within touching distance at the break through scores from Billy Drennan, Martin Keoghan and Cian Kenny as well as Mikey Carey hitting three fine points from play.

The Cats trailed 0-12 to 0-10 at that halfway stage but with Peter McDonald and Martin Keoghan both scoring within five minutes of the restart, the sides were level for the first time.

Clare rallied to go back in front but Kilkenny had the win at their sails and with Gearoid Dunne pointing from play either side of two Billy Drennan frees, the Cats hit the front in the 57th minute (0-16 to 0-15).

It then proved to be a chaotic final quarter of action and buoyed by a vocal home crowd and four points on the trot from sub Rory Hayes, Cian Galvin and Sean Rynne, Clare looked primed for victory as they went two clear.

Kilkenny refused to go away and with Mossy Keoghan nailing two vital efforts from play to equalise, the side in black and amber had the momentum with Drennan, Luke Hogan and Eoin Cody sealing an opening day win for last year's beaten league finalists.

New recruit Fionan Mackessy went off with a bad looking injury before the end and with Adrian Mullen also not making the named 26 squad, they look to be the two main worries for Derek Lyng as Kilkenny look forward to a home game with Galway next Sunday.

Hear Derek Lyng's post-match reaction and more on the Kilkenny People Sport Podcast below:

Teams and Scorers

Kilkenny- Billy Drennan (0-7, 0-7 frees); Martin Keoghan (0-5); Mikey Carey (0-3); Eoin Cody, Peter McDonald, Eoin Cody (0-2 each); Cian Kenny, Gearoid Dunne, Luke Hogan, Luke Connellan (0-1 each)

Clare- David Reidy (0-8, 0-7 frees); David Conroy (0-3); Sean Rynne, Keith Smyth, Paddy Donnellan, Shane Meehan (0-2 each); Cian Galvin, Aron Shanagher (0-1 each)

Kilkenny- Aidan Tallis; Mikey Butler, Huw Lawlor, Shane Murphy; Mikey Carey, David Blanchfield. Fionan Mackessy; Peter McDonald, Jordan Molloy; Martin Keoghan, Cian Kenny, Paddy Deegan; Billy Drennan, Eoin Cody, Billy Ryan.

Subs- Gearoid Dunne for Molloy, 44 mins; Luke Hogan for Kenny, 51 mins; Luke Connellan for Ryan, 60 mins; Zach Bay Hammond for Mackessy, 65 mins.

Clare- Eibhear Quilligan; Ian McNamara, Conor Leen, Darragh Lohan; Jack O'Neill, David McInerney, Cian Galvin; Ryan Taylor, Cathal Malone; Patrick Crotty, David Conroy, Sean Rynne; Shane Meehan, Aron Shanagher, David Reidy.

Subs- Ross Hayes for McInerney, 37 mins; Paddy Donnellan for Taylor, 43 mins; Keith Smyth for Shanagher, 51 mins; Rory Hayes for Crotty, 55 mins; John Conneally for Leen, 61 mins.

Referee- Shane Hynes (Galway)