Kilkenny SHL- Glenmore and Mullinavat share the spoils in league opener
Glenmore 0-17 Mullinavat 0-17
Mullinavat and Glenmore played out an extremely competitive drawn game in the opening round of the 2026 St Canices Senior Hurling League at Mooncoin GAA Grounds on Sunday.
When the sides met last met in the SH Shield Final of last season, it was also a draw, even after extra time, before the Vegas boys won on penalties.
No such speedy conclusion necessary this time, just a valuable league point each on the table.
Mullinavat led 0-12 to 0-8 at half time, with Ger Malone star of the show with eight points, four of which caMe ftom play. his brother Michael recorded two from play in that opening period, the others scored by Oisin Knox and Conor Walsh.
The impressive Ian Byrne recorded 0-5 from frees for Glenmore, the other scores coming from Darragh Hartley, Ger Aylward and Jason Cody.
Glenmore had the advantage of a stiff breeze in the second half and slowly but surely reeled in the Vegas lead.
Charlie Phelan (G) and Michael Malone (M) exchanged early points, as did the outstanding Ian Byrne with a Ger Malone free.
Between the 36th and 41st minute three Glenmore scores, two from Ian Byrne (one free) and Jack Dollard from 80 metres, left just a point between the sides, Mullinavat leading 0-14 to 0-13.
Oisin Knox (M) and Ian Byrne (G) exchanged points, before Mullinavat went three clear on 50 and 51 minutes through scores by Conor Walsh and Padraig Gahan.
Glenmore got a penalty in the 55th minute, but the strike was saved by Vegas goalkeeper Sean Fitzpatrick.
Glenmore recovered however and two-pointed free scores from Ian Byrne sandwiched an excellent Jason Cody point from 50 metres, to leave it 0-17 each.
Both sides had half chances in the three minutes added time, but both shad to settle for a share of the spoils.
Mullinavat now face Thomastown in round two while Glenmore face the challenge of Bennetsbridge.
Teams and Scorers
Glenmore: Ian Byrne 0-11(0-8 frees), Jason Cody (0-2), Charlie Phelan, Jack Dollard, Darragh Hartley, Billy Reid (0-1 each).
Mullinavat: Ger Malone (0-9, 0-5 frees), Michael Malone (0-3), Ousin Knox (0-2), Conor Walsh (0-2), Padraic Gahan (0-1).
Glenmore: Eoin Murphy Darragh Vereker, Eoin Aylward, Richie Hennessy, Darragh Hartley, Shane Murphy, Billy Reid, Jack Dollard, Tomás Mullally, Colm Roche, lan Byrne, Jason Cody, Dean Croke, Charlie Phelan, Ger Aylward.
Subs: Ethan Phelan for Colm Roche.
Mullinavat: Seán Fitzpatrick, Eoin Dempsey, Tom Aylward, Robin Davis, George O’Connor, Pádraig Dempsey, Padraic Gahan, Michael Malone, Joe Gahan, Conor Walsh, Ger Malone, Conor Power, Conor Duggan, Oisín Knox, Liam Fennelly.
Subs: Brian Phelan for Conor Power, Adam Mansfield for Conor Duggan, Bill Dempsey for Conor Walsh.
Referee: Gavin Quilty (Slieverue).