Kilkenny Under 18's run in the tries during cup win over Dundalk

A thrilling encounter in the Tom Darcy Cup unfolded on a beautiful sunny day in Dundalk, as Kilkenny edged Dundalk in a dramatic 40–33 victory to book their place in the semi-finals.

Dundalk made the brighter start and opened the scoring just four minutes in, when second row Emmett Mullen powered over for a well-worked try.

Callum Van Der Westhuizen added the conversion to give the hosts an early 7–0 lead. Kilkenny responded through the boot of
Scott O’Shea, who slotted a penalty after sustained pressure from both forwards and backs to narrow the gap to 7–3 after 10 minutes.

The sides exchanged possession and territory in a competitive opening quarter before Dundalk struck again. Ben McGeown crossed the line on 25 minutes, with Van Der Westhuizen converting to extend the lead to 14–3. Kilkenny, however, hit back immediately.

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Oisín Barry finished off a strong attacking move, and O’Shea’s conversion reduced the deficit to 14–10 by the 31st minute.

Kilkenny seized the momentum from the restart, with Ollie Molloy crashing over for their second try following smart play.

O’Shea again added the extras, giving Kilkenny a 17–14 lead at half-time.

The second half began with Kilkenny extending their advantage, as O’Shea converted a penalty to make it 20–14. Dundalk responded with increased intensity, and Van Der Westhuizen crossed for a try, though he was unable to convert, leaving Kilkenny ahead 20–19.

Dundalk continued to apply pressure and regained the lead on 47 minutes when Oisín Kelly touched down. Van Der Westhuizen converted to make it 26–20. The lead was short-lived, however, as a brilliant break from Fearghus O’Connor set up Patrick Kennedy for a Kilkenny try just two minutes later. O’Shea’s conversion edged Kilkenny back in front at 27–26.

O’Shea then added another penalty to push Kilkenny’s lead to 30–26, but Dundalk refused to go away. Emmett Mullen grabbed his second try of the game, and with the conversion successful, Dundalk led 33–30 with 12 minutes remaining.

Kilkenny responded once more in a game full of momentum swings. A slick backline move sent Patrick Kennedy over for his second try, restoring Kilkenny’s lead at 35–33 with five minutes to play, though the conversion was missed.

As the clock ticked into the red, Dundalk pushed for a decisive score, but it was Kilkenny who had the final say. Ian McDonald crossed late to seal a hard-fought 40–33 victory.

In a match packed with quality, resilience, and attacking flair from both sides, Kilkenny ultimately proved clinical in the key moments. They now advance to face Navan in the semi- final in two weeks’ time.