Kilkenny slip to Shield loss after busy week of Kennedy Cup action

It wasn’t to be for Kilkenny’s Kennedy Cup side as the woodwork and some great goalkeeping saw them slip to a 2-0 defeat against Dundalk in the Shield final.

The Cats can feel hard done by after giving their all in a battling performance at UL where the scoreline didn’t reflect their efforts.

Dundalk struck twice in the first half, capitalising on two quick chances to build a lead against the run of play.

Despite the early setback, Kilkenny responded with energy and intent. They came agonisingly close to pulling one back before the break - a thunderous effort rattled the woodwork, while a sharp save from the Dundalk goalkeeper denied them what looked to be a certain goal.

The second half saw Kilkenny dominate large spells of possession. They created two excellent opportunities, showing determination and attacking purpose, but luck was not on their side as the final touch just eluded them. Dundalk defended deep and in numbers, doing just enough to keep Kilkenny out in the closing stages.

Shield semi-final- Kilkenny 1, Midlands 0

Kilkenny booked their place in the Shield final after edging out the Midlands 1-0 on Thursday.

In a closely contested encounter, an MJ Carroll goal on the stroke of half-time proved decisive.

The Midlands started with energy but struggled to break down Kilkenny’s defence. Kilkenny, on the other hand, showed clinical intent, with Carroll’s goal proving to be the difference. The Midlands goalkeeper was called into action twice in the first half, producing fine saves to keep his team in the game.

In the second half, both sides had opportunities, but clear-cut chances were limited. Midlands pressed for an equaliser, creating a couple of half-chances, but Kilkenny’s backline remained solid under pressure. Despite a spirited effort from Midlands, the final whistle confirmed a hard-fought win for Kilkenny, who made the most of their key moment in the match.

Shield Quarter-final- Kilkenny 4, Mayo 1

A clinical second half performance saw Kilkenny get the better of Mayo in their first knockout game of the competition.

The first half was an evenly matched affair, with both sides sharing possession and opportunities. Mayo struck first with a well-taken goal midway through the half from Jamie Loughney, but Kilkenny responded strongly, levelling matters before halftime when Ben Fitzgerald opened his account.

The second half saw Kilkenny come out with renewed intensity as they quickly asserted their dominance. Aedan Somner proved to be the difference-maker, netting two crucial goals that gave his side a commanding lead. His sharp finishing and ability to find space in the Mayo defence turned the tide firmly in Kilkenny’s favour.

As Mayo pushed forward in search of a way back into the game, gaps began to appear at the back. Kilkenny capitalised on this late in the half, with Ben Fitzgerald adding a fourth goal to seal the result.

Group stage- Kilkenny 0, NERL 0

Part of a three-team group, Kilkenny began their group campaign on Tuesday, sharing the spoils with the NERL in a 0-0 draw.

The first half was dominated by Kilkenny’s defence and goalkeeper, who were outstanding throughout as they kept their side in the game despite some early pressure.

Kilkenny grew in confidence in the second half, going forward and creating chances, but good goalkeeping and some last-ditch defending denied them a goal.

While the draw might feel like two points dropped for Kilkenny, their solid defensive display and the chances created in the second half showed promise for future matches.

West Cork 5, Kilkenny 2

Kilkenny suffered a 5-2 defeat but showed great fight and character in the second half, especially after falling four goals behind against the run of play in the first half.

The opening half was difficult for Kilkenny as their opponents dominated possession and took full advantage, scoring four times. The second half saw a much-improved Kilkenny performance. The Cats came out with renewed energy and urgency, creating several good scoring opportunities, with goals from Aedan Somner and Jamie Kavanagh highlighting Kilkenny’s determination to fight back and reduce the deficit.

Though the final result didn’t go their way, Kilkenny can take real positives from a week of strong displays.

Kilkenny manager Shay Lynch was full of pride for his side, who raised their game despite the pressure of a busy week of action.

“The Kennedy Cup has been a culmination of three years’ work , winning four tournaments along the way,” he said. “These guys have been a credit and a pleasure to work with.”

Kilkenny & District League - Daithí Egan (Evergreen), Donie Cahill (Freebooters), Mark Byrne (Bridge United), Sam Norton (Evergreen), Oisin Doyle (Bridge United), Danny O’Dwyer (Spa United), Jamie Kavanagh (Freebooters), MJ Carroll (Bridge United), Cruz Chong (Spa United), Sam Antonessa (Freebooters), Aedan Somner (Spa United), Cierán Tracy (Freebooters), Harry Trehy (Freebooters), Dara Kavanagh (Evergreen), Michael Ormond (Evergreen), Micheál Fitzgerald (Bridge United), Daniel O’Connell (Freebooters), Ben Fitzgerald (East End United), Jamie Fahey (Freebooters), Micheál Beagen (Freebooters).

Manager: Shay Lynch. Coaches: Philip Trehy, Richard Carroll, Bill Trehy, Tom Doyle. Physio: James Kelly.