Kilkenny IHL- Lisdowney return to intermediate grade with big win

Lisdowney opened up their Intermediate hurling league campaign with an impressive victory over championship newcomers Barrow Rangers at Canon Kearns Park last Friday evening.

Two goals in each half gave Lisdowney the edge with Charlie Brennan, Aidan Tallis, David O’Carroll and Luke Holohan all finding the net in a dominat display by the North Kilkenny outfit.

It was a first game at this grade in many years for Barrow Rangers and while they were well beaten on the night, the Paulstown outfot still got decent outings from the likes of Joe Healy, Marc Drennan and Mikey Doyle.

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It was a nip and tuck beginning to the Group B league clash with Eoin Kenny and Marc Drennan exchanging points before Lisdowney then got a bit of momentum going as they knocked over the next four points on the trot with Killian Dunne, Brian Kavanagh, Eoin Kenny and Charlie Brennan all splitting the posts as Liam Dowling’s side led 0-5 to 0-1.

Barrow Rangers improved as the half went on with points from Joe Healy and Jack Kelly either side of a Brian Kavanagh effort now leaving just two between the teams after 10 minutes of play.

Lisdoweny went up a few gears nearing the second quarter as they hit five points on the trot through Kavanagh and joint-captain Richard McEvoy while Michael Kenny also had a goal attempt hit the side-netting.

Barrow Rangers points in response from Joe Healy and and Marc Drennan kept the Paulstown side in touch but with Lisdowney nabbing two goals before the end of the half, it was the 2024 intermediate winners that were most happy.

The first major saw Marty McEvoy and Eoin Kenny combine before Charlie Brennan ran by his man on the way to shooting past Richie Doyle and and just five minutes later the net was rustling once more with Luke Holohan finishing in style.

As a result, Lisdowney led 2-13 to 0-8 at the change of ends and while Barrow Rangers had someting of a mountain to climb to get back into contention, they kept plugging away with Joe Healy and Shane McDonald adding to their tallies.

When Healy then slotted a 21 yard free to the net in the 40th minute, hope grew that last year’s junior champions could mount something of a comeback.

Anytime they threatened to get closer on the scoreboard however, Lisdowney would just tap on a few points but when the Rangers landed another goal blow with 50 minutes on the clock through Kieran O’Neill to leave just five between the sides, a grandstand finish was a definite possibility.

Two Lisdowney goals in a minute quickly extinguished that hope as David O’Carroll and Kilkenny goalkeeper playing outfield Aidan Tallis both found the net as they helped secure a 4-23 to 2-18 win in Lisdowney’s favour.

Teams and Scorers

Lisdowney: Brian Kavanagh (0-12, 5fs and 3 ‘65’s); Eoin Kenny (0-4); Charlie Brennan, Aidan Tallis (1-1 each); David O’Carroll, Luke Holohan (1-0 each); Michael Kenny (0-2, 1f); Liam Dunphy, Richard McEvoy, Jack Dunphy (0-1 each)

Barrow Rangers: Joe Healy (1-9, 5fs and 2 ‘65’s); Kieran O’Neill (1-0); Marc Drennan (0-3); Mikey Doyle (0-2); Patrick Purcell, Jack Kelly, Billy Hanlon, Shane McDonald (0-1 each)

Lisdowney: James McEvoy; Lar Campion, Richard McEvoy, John Brennan; Michael Kenny, Vinny Fitzpatrick, Marty McEvoy; Killian Dunne, Jack Dunphy; David O’Carroll, Brian Kavanagh, Eoin Kenny; Rob McEvoy, Charlie Brennan, Luke Holohan.

Subs: Cathal Jordan for J.Dunphy, 43 mins; Aidan Tallis for McEvoy, 50 mins; Liam Dunphy for Holohan, 56 mins.

Barrow Rangers: Richie Doyle; Paul Delaney, Conor Dermody, Kevin Brennan; Ciaran Breen, Kieran O’Neill, Patrick Purcell; Jack Kelly, Marc Drennan; Keith Flavin, Billy Hanlon, Mikey Doyle; Joe Healy, Gary Hill, Shane McDonald.

Subs: Jason Holden for Flavin, 40 mins; Brian Kelly for Hill, 59 mins.

Referee: Richie Holland