Kilkenny Under 19’s impress in huge semi-final league win over Offaly

Kilkenny were much too classy for Offaly in what proved to be a very one sided Under 19 Development League Semi-Final in MW Hire Dunmore last Friday night.

The Cats were dominant from start to finish as they overpowered the Faithful County with Patrick Lacey, Steven Kinsella, John Fitzpatrick and Robbie Doherty getting the goals for the winners.

The win now sees the Noresiders advance to the final on Wednesday week where Dublin will be the opponents at UPMC Nowlan Park.

Kilkenny were pushed to the pin of their collar during their last group against Wexford but it was obvious from very early on that this last four tie was going to be a much different affair.

It only took the home side three minutes to find the net with Graignamanagh’s Stephen Kinsella finding himself at the end of a move which saw Donnchadh Hennessy and Robbie Doherty combine before assisting the corner forward who shot past Eanna Mulhare.

Kilkenny followed up with two quickfire scores from Patrick Lacey and very quickly a gap opened up on the scoreboard.

Offaly opened their account through a Brian Guinan effort and that was followed up by a Sean Carey free to leave the score reading 1-2 to 0-2 in the Cats favour.

The game was blown apart in the next 10 minutes however as Kilkenny rattled on 1-6 without reply to really put the squeeze on their opponents.

Kilkenny’s second goal in the 9th minute was well worked and it started at the back with Bill O’Shea flicking a pass out to David Barcoe who drilled the ball inside to Robbie Doherty who skipped by his man before finding the net.

Patrick Lacey then added on four more points to contribute to his final 1-14 tally while Kinsella and Anthony Clifford also split the posts as the gulf in class between the teams became more evident.

Offaly only added on two more points before the break as Sean Carey and James Morkan found their range while in contrast Kilkenny continued to do serious damage as they threatened almost every time they attacked.

Lacey, Kinsella, Bill McDermott and Sean Deely all contributed further points in addition to John Fitzpatrick getting a third Kilkenny goal right on the stroke of half-time.

The interval scoreline read 3-14 to 0-4 in Kilkenny’s favour and while they weren’t as free-flowing in the second period, they still went about their business in a professional manner.

Both teams emptied out their subs bench as players got valuable gametime into the legs and there was a real challenge clash feel to proceedings as Kilkenny continued to score heavily at their ease.

A fourth goal through star forward Patrick Lacey ensured the Cats ended the game on a high and they’ll go into the final with Dublin in a spirited mood after this hugely promising performance.

Teams and Scorers

Kilkenny: Patrick Lacey (1-14, 7fs and 2 65’s), Steven Kinsella (1-4), John Fitzpatrick, Robbie Doherty (1-0 each), Anthony Clifford (0-3), Zac Scanlon, Donnchadh Hennessy (0-2 each), Bill McDermott, Sean Deely (0-1 each)

Offaly: Sean Carey (0-4, 4fs), Aaron Molloy, Brian Guinan (0-2 each), Gearoid Maher (0-1, 1f), Dylan Hollywood, James Morkan (0-1 each)

Kilkenny: Conor O’Sullivan (Erin’s Own); Dara Behan (James Stephens), Conor Brophy (Erin’s Own), Bill O’Shea (Dicksboro); Sam Hayes (Danesfort), David Barcoe (Clara), Sam Deely (James Stephens); Donnchadh Hennessy (Dicksboro), Anthony Clifford (Dicksboro); Bill McDermott (James Stephens), John Fitzpatrick (Shamrocks Ballyhale), Zac Scanlon (James Stephens); Steven Kinsella (Graignamanagh), Patrick Lacey (Dicksboro), Robbie Doherty (Mooncoin).

Subs used: Luke Lawlor (Clara), Bobby Brennan (Erin’s Own), Louis Raggett (Dicksboro), Jim Conlon (Young Irelands), Michael Keane (St Martin’s), Michael Lynch (John Lockes), Eoghan Cahill (Graigue Ballycallan), Cian Donnelly (St Lachtain’s), Eanna O’Keeffe (Thomastown).

Offaly: Eanna Mulhare; Conor Berry, James Morkan, James Hennessy; Marc Ryan, Cian Kinnarney, Timmy Carey; Michael Dooley, Ruairc Fay; Brian Guinan, Sean Carey, Gearoid Maher; Aaron Molloy, Noel Standish, Dylan Hollywood.

Subs used: Liam Flynn, Luke Bracken, Jack Ryan.