Kilkenny crash out of Towns Cup

Leaving Certificate student Neil Byrne’s late penalty broke Kilkenny hearts as Gorey claimed a one point victory over Kilkenny in this tightly fought quarter-final clash.

The feeling out process lasted longer than usual as the game was played out mostly in the middle of the pitch until Hugh Corkery kicked Kilkenny in front.

It was all the Marble City men at this stage of the game, veteran number eight David O’Connor crashing to the line. Gorey finally secured possession and territory for the driving maul to do the business for hooker Kevin Browne to score.

Then, full-back Byrne broke an arm tackle to set in motion an attack which Brian O’Leary turned into a second try, Byrne converting both for 14-8 in the 32nd minute.

A Hugh Corkery penalty gave Kilkenny a lift ahead of going in 14-11 behind at the break. Gorey were soon on the front foot, Byrne landing a penalty.

Corkery chipped away with a penalty. Then, another maul moved with menace to produce the lead points from number eight O’Connor’s second try for a two-point lead.

Gorey rallied to get the nod from the referee for a penalty just outside the 22 which Byrne slotted for the win.