Cats safe ahead of Thurles trip as Deise go down
BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR
SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE
Allianz Hurling League Roinn 1A
Tipperary vs Kilkenny
FBD Semple Stadum
Saturday @ 7PM
To describe this season’s National League Campaign as disappointing would probably be an understatement. With just two wins from their five games played, Derek Lyng knows that tomorrow evenings meeting with All-Ireland champions Tipperary is now no longer a potentially defining fixture of the 2026 season for his Kilkenny side. Waterford’s defeat at home to Tipp means they along with Offaly will be playing in Division 1B in 2027. The Emeralds clubman was in attendance at Walsh Park and probably enjoyed his drive home, relief. Yes, we understand that the League is playing while the Championship is for winning, but there is little sign that a successful defence of their Leinster title is guaranteed. Relegation would have been another step backwards for the Cats and would have done little to instill confidence in those chosen to wear the black and amber in the months ahead.
Currently the Noresiders sit third bottom in Division 1A, with just Offaly below them. Before the Deise clash with Tipp last Sunday, Kilkenny were the second lowest scorers in their group and the second highest for scores conceded, which equates to the second worst record in 1A. The stats don’t lie. A trip to Tipp wouldn’t be the fixture chosen when maximum points are required on the final day. Thankfully, our boys should be able to play without fear. Liam Cahill’s outfit haven’t been pulling up trees themselves during the league, with 3 wins and 2 defeats, but Thurles could be a cold house for all associated with the Cats come 8:45 tomorrow evening, but without the prospect of relegation.
The two victories secured in the league, at home to Offaly and Waterford were both hard-fought and anything but straightforward, but that is in keeping with the whole campaign to date. Four points to spare over The Faithful County and just the bare minimum separating the Cats from the Deise tells the story, while defeats to Limerick, Cork and most recently Galway have been painful. In each of the losses Kilkenny have shown glimpses of the good, but usually more of the bad and the ugly. Wasteful shooting, poor decision making, a side seemingly at odds with their style of play, well at least to the naked eye, it doesn’t scream Provincial champions or Liam MacCarthy challengers. It might only be March, but in these condensed seasons you need to be up to speed by Easter. Another road trip to Salthill will come round quickly, and our lads can’t afford to be as below par as they were in the recent league fixture.
There has been much said about how Kilkenny are going, by supporters, former players and pundits, but it is only Derek, his management team and panel of players that can change the direction of travel, and this starts in Thurles tomorrow evening. One of the most vocal reactions, following the dismal showing in Pearse Stadium was that of former All-Ireland winning captain Andy Comerford. The O’Loughlin Gaels clubman was less than impressed by what he witnessed in Salthill, with the lack of leadership on the field and the number of people bending the managers ear on the sideline top of his list. Speaking to CRKC, Comerford said that some of the Cats’ big names need to ‘stop shining’ their All-Stars and ‘get down to work’. He continued: “Lads with All-Stars, take them out from under the pillow, stop shining them and throw them to one side. It’s All-Irelands we need. Any of those lads that have All-Stars before, they need to get rid of them, forget about them,”
In relation to selectors, Comerford talked about how hard management is and added: “These lads have to start earning their crust. There are four lads around Derek Lyng. Derek, take a bit of advice. Get rid of them lads away from you,” “The great man (Brian Cody) had three lads sitting on the bench and he called them when he wanted to know something. They came with information. They collated the data sitting on the bench, not coming over and whispering in your ear and constantly in his ear.”
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s game, with the jeopardy now removed, those in black and amber should perhaps play with a little bit more freedom. I’d say most players on the panel will know that they need to up the ante and start to deliver for their proud County, and Thurles gives them the opportunity to do this. The Loss of Huw Lawlor and Billy Ryan has been hard, but the Cats have not acquitted themselves well, and this needs to change with the Provincial championship on the horizon. The likes of Eoin Cody and Mossy Keoghan need to rediscover their best form, but they are not alone. Paddy Deegan and Richie Reid are two other experienced players that need to show leadership and drive things on around them. John Donnelly has had limited minutes but should be firing on all cylinders come the return to Salthill.
The one shining light in black and amber this season has been Cian Kenny. The Village star has really stood up and delivered for his county. Keeping him fit will be key to navigating what could be a tricky Leinster campaign. David Blanchfield is another that has come back into the fold more recently. The towering Bennettsbridge man has been developing nicely in the stripes, and his aerial ability will be needed as summer approaches. Everyone is still awaiting the return of two quality Cats, captain TJ Reid and his Shamrocks teammate, Adrian Mullen. Yes, this quality duo will bring much to Derek Lyng’s side but won’t be the ‘cure all’ fix for this Kilkenny side, but there is no doubting the boost this will give those around them, especially clubmate Eoin Cody. Will we see either TJ or Adrian tomorrow, possibly not so it will be down to the likes of Liam Moore, Luke Connellan etc. to provide the support to others in attack. Perhaps O’Loughlin’s Luke Hogan might get some minutes in Thurles; the bustling attacker has the ability to cause any defence problems.
There’s much work to be done between now and April 18th, for players and management alike, and the supporters across Noreside will have their part to play over the coming weeks and months. Our players need to give their all in the black and amber and in return the Gaels in attendance will give them their support. Let’s tackle Tipp in Thurles and then regroup ahead of a Leinster defence. ‘Hon the Cats.
