Kilkenny off the mark in National Hurling League

Kilkenny were far from their fluent best but they still had enough to claim a three point victory over Antrim in the National League opener this afternoon.

In similar circumstances to the corresponding fixture a year ago, Antrim gave the Cats plenty of trouble and once again hit Kilkenny for three goals.

Kilkenny needed goalkeeper Darren Brennan to keep their noses in front late on when he saved from Donal Nugent and as well as that save a brace of goals from Martin Keoghan helped the Cats keep Antrim at bay.

Like they did when defeating Clare in last year's opener, Antrim were fired up and it only took them two minutes to find the net with Sean Elliott shooting past Darren Brennan.

Kilkenny were very wasteful throughout the first half with 10 wides in total and they were thankful to Keoghan finding the net on the stroke of half-time to level up matters.

The Cats then kicked on in the third quarter with 1-5 without reply inclucing Keoghan nabbing his second goaled effort.

Antrim refused to throw in the towel though and further goals from Conor Johnston and Neil McManus ensured a dramatic ending to the contest.

A couple of John Donnelly frees kept Brian Cody's team in front while Antrim also had Niall O'Connor sent off late on.

Antrim did have one last chance before the end when Donal Nugent flicked the sliotar towards goal but a Darren Brennan save meant Kilkenny held on for a 2-15 to 3-9 success.

Teams and Scorers

Kilkenny- Martin Keoghan (2-2), John Donnelly (0-4, 0-3f), James Bergin (0-3, 0-2f), Padraig Walsh (0-2), Huw Lawlor, Paddy Deegan, Walter Walsh and Tom Phelan (0-1 each)

Antrim- : Neil McManus (1-2, 0-1f), Sean Elliott (1-1), Conor Johnston (1-0), Ciaran Clarke (0-3, 0-3f), Eoghan Campbell, Daniel McKernan, Keelan Molloy (0-1 each)

Kilkenny- Darren Brennan; Mikey Butler, Conor Delaney, Tommy Walsh; James Maher, Huw Lawlor, David Blanchfield; Michael Carey, Paddy Deegan; John Donnelly, Padraig Walsh, Tom Phelan; Billy Ryan, Martin Keoghan, James Bergin.

Subs: Ciaran Wallace for Delaney 23 mins, Conor Heary for Maher h-t, Walter Walsh for Bergin h-t, Chris Bolger for Ryan 53 mins.

Antrim- Ryan Elliott; Niall O'Connor, Gerard Walsh, Stephen Rooney; Paddy Burke, Eoghan Campbell, Joe Maskey; James McNaughton, Keelan Molloy; Niall McKenna, Ciaran Clarke, Conan Cunning; Sean Elliott, Neil McManus, Conor Johnston.

Subs: Daniel McKernan for McNaughton 50 mins, Eoin O'Neill for Clarke 50 mins, Scott Walsh for Burke 56 mins, Ryan McCambridge for Molloy 66 mins, Donal Nugent for McKenna 66 mins.

Referee- Patrick Murphy (Carlow)