Kilkenny GAA- James Stephens and Danesfort to meet in Intermediate decider

The 2025 Michael Lyng Motors Intermediate Hurling Championship Final will be contested by James Stephens and Danesfort after they came through this afternoon's semi-finals.

It will be a repeat of the league decider which the Village claimed victory in and Eoin Larkin's side will go into the final as hot favourites as they attempt to return to the senior ranks immediately.

Danesfort will be stubborn opposoition however after they came through a tough battle with Dunnamaggin and it was their goal-scoring exploits that set them apart with Colm Phelan finding the net twice in the opening half and Sam Hayes adding a third in the second half as they ran out 3-13 to 0-17 winners.

Dunnamaggin played well for large spells though with Denis Walsh and Joe Fitzpatrick leading the charge and if it weren't for two great saves by Paddy Hogan in the opening half, the game could have taken on a much different look.

Noah Cahill impressed off the bench for the beate side but the goals did the trick in the end as Danesfort deservedly sealed their place in another intermediate final.

The last four affair was also decided by five point as James Stephens held off a big second half comeback from Young Irelands in a very entertaining affair.

The Villlage raced into an early 1-3 to 0-0 lead with Stephen Manogue goaling after Eoin Guilfoyle had earlier directed a shot off the post and they looked in real control at this point.

Gowran did eventually settle into proceedings with Kilkenny star Mikey Carey leading the line at the heart of the defence but with a strong wind at their backs, the Village looked a step above when further scores from Guilfoyle and Tadhg O'Dwyer left them 10 points to the good at the interval.

A brilliant Paddy Langton goal just four minutes into the second half gave Young Irelands a lifeline before Luke Scanlon settled James Stephens with a couple of well taken efforts from play.

Gowran wouldn't go away though and points from Cian Phelan, Ted Drea and Mikey Carey helped last year's beaten finalists remain in touch.

The Village weathered the storm though for what was their toughest test of the year to date and they now go forward to the County Final in a couple of weeks time.

See this week's Kilkenny People for full reports and reaction on the games.