Kilkenny claim vital victory at home over Gorey in Leinster League

It was a day to savour in Foulkstown as the Kilkenny firsts delivered a performance where their work rate was matched with precision and belief.

The message going into the game against Gorey was simple - win to avoid being cut adrift at the bottom of the Leinster League table. What followed was one of Kilkenny’s most complete and character-filled displays of the season, as they secured the win that gives them a fighting chance.

They didn’t make the best of starts, Gorey slicing through the Kilkenny defence with quick hands leading to the opening try and a 7-0 lead inside three minutes.

Crucially, Kilkenny did not panic. Strong ruck work and improved accuracy at the breakdown created a platform; it wasn’t long before Harry Prineas spotted a slight mismatch out wide and finished confidently in the corner. Scrum-half Sima Costa nailed a difficult conversion to level the match at 7–7 and reset the momentum.

Buoyed by the score, Kilkenny’s confidence grew. With a solid platform, Kilkenny’s backline began to express themselves. A well-orchestrated move saw the ball moved from touchline to touchline before centre Mark Coughlan cut a smart line to finish off a well-worked move. Costa added the extras, and Kilkenny suddenly led 14–7.

Nine minutes later, Canadian centre James Davy produced one of the standout moments of the half. Receiving the ball around halfway, he spotted a half-gap and accelerated through it, gliding past would-be tacklers with a combination of power and footwork. Although he was eventually hauled down Kilkenny retained possession and maintained their momentum.

From the ensuing phases, the ball was worked wide to winger Aaron Askins, who showed great awareness and finishing ability to dot down for Kilkenny’s third try.

The conversion drifted wide, but the hosts now led 19-7 and looked transformed compared to earlier outings this season.
Gorey, however, were not about to fold. After a period of sustained pressure the visitors found space out wide and crossed for their second try of the afternoon, narrowing the gap to 19-14.

Back came Kilkenny. When a needless Gorey penalty was conceded near the touchline, Costa opted for the posts rather than the corner - a decision that underlined Kilkenny’s growing maturity. From a challenging angle, he struck the ball sweetly and split the uprights, extending the lead to 22–14, an advantage they held until half-time.

The second half began at a calmer, more controlled pace. Kilkenny appeared composed and confident, content to manage territory and possession rather than chase high-risk scores. Out-half Aiden McDonald played a key role, his tactical kicking repeatedly turning Gorey around, white young winger Aaron Askins grew further into the game, tracking inside to offer support lines and making important defensive interventions when Gorey attempted to counter.

Defensively, the pack set the tone. Forwards Wes Carter and Johnny Young were immense in defence, tackling relentlessly, while their presence at the breakdown disrupted Gorey’s rhythm.

Kilkenny’s fourth try, and their bonus point, came from full-back Podge Mahon, before Costa’s conversion stretched the lead to 27-14. He added a penalty to keep Gorey at arm’s length before, in the final stages, Kilkenny found one last score when McDonald used his strength and footwork to force his way over for the fifth try of the day.

Although Gorey grabbed a consolation try the final whistle was met with elation from players and supporters alike as Kilkenny earned a win that could prove pivotal in their league campaign.

Captain Garry Dunne will now turn his focus to next Saturday’s trip to Dundalk, the final league match before the Christmas break. An away win there would represent another massive boost to Kilkenny’s league standing and would send the squad into the festive period with renewed confidence and momentum.

Kilkenny - Brian Howe, Ben Devlin, Josh Evans, Wesley Carter, Mark Power, Jonathan Young, Joe Murray, Harry Prineas, Simao Costa Pereira, Aiden McDonald, Thomas Murphy, Mark Coughlan, James Davy, Adrian Murphy, Podge Mahon.

Replacements: Matthew Hogan, Colm Kealy, Garry Dunne, John Drennan, Conor Walsh.

Gorey - Richard Deering, Cian Byrne, Eoin Walsh, Isaac Porter, Lloyd Stephens, Cian Kenny, Harry Steacy, Ewan Stephens, Seamus Tomkins, Cian Hadden, Robert Harrington, John Milne, Joseph Francis Nansen, Marcus Corcoran, Stephen Duffy.

Replacements: Jack Ryan, Tom Stokes, Cillian Tomkins, Finn Standing, Jack Tully.