Kilkenny 1-12 Wexford 1-7
By Aoife Lanigan, PRO
Photos: INPHO Photography
Kilkenny defeated Wexford in Chadwick Wexford Park in the last Group 2 game of the Championship last Saturday. Already through to the All-Ireland Quarter Finals, Kilkenny could afford to make changes, 11 in total.
Kilkenny made the brighter start, registering the opening score from play through Claire Doheny before adding a second point from Emma Mulhall to move two clear after just over four minutes.
Wexford responded in style a minute later when their midfielder Leah Furlong burst through the Kilkenny defence and found the back of the net with an excellent goal to put the hosts ahead. Kilkenny quickly replied with a point from Rachel Dowling after a poor clearance from the Wexford defence. There was a lull in the scoring over the next seven minutes until Wexford’s full forward Caoimhe Byrne pointed from play. Anais Curran then added a free but Kilkenny’s Laura Murphy converted a point from a placed ball before Katie Nolan added another point from play, leaving the sides level at the break, Kilkenny 0-5 Wexford 1-2.
Anais Curran opened the second half scoring with a converted 45. Laura Murphy immediately levelled matters with a pointed free. Kilkenny then went ahead, Laura Murphy converting a 45 after Emma Mulhall’s shot was saved. Murphy added another pointed free two minutes later Katie Nolan struck over two points from play for the visitors, stretching the lead to four with 18 minutes played in the second half. Leah Furlong responded for Wexford with a point from play.
In the 52nd minute, Kilkenny were awarded a penalty. Goalkeeper Jane Duggan produced a fine save but Katie Nolan was quickest to react to the rebound and she hit a ground shot to the back of the net, leaving Kilkenny six points in front. Caoimhe Byrne added another point from play, while Anais Curran converted a free all for the home side. Kilkenny replied with a point from Laura Murphy before Leah Furlong raised another white flag for the home side to reduce the deficit to four points.
However, Kilkenny’s Leah Brett had the final say, scoring a great point while off balance, securing a five-point victory 1-12 to 1-7. Kilkenny now head to the All-Ireland Quarter Finals this Saturday in Croke Park, where they will face Waterford with a 1pm throw in.
Scorers – Kilkenny – Katie Nolan 1-3, Laura Murphy 0-5 (4f), Claire Doheny, Emma Mulhall, Rachel Dowling, Leah Brett 0-1 each. Wexford – Leah Furlong 1-2, Anais Curran 0-3 (3f), Caoimhe Byrne 0-2
Teams
Kilkenny: Ellen Gunner, Rachel Phelan, Tiffanie Fitzgerald, Maria Brennan, Laura Phelan, Miriam Bambrick, Michelle Teehan, Laura Murphy, Emily Phelan, Ciara Dunne, Aisling O’Sullivan, Rachel Dowling, Claire Doheny, Emma Mulhall, Katie Nolan Subs – Ciara O’Shea for Aisling O’Sullivan, Leah Brett for Emma Mulhall, Sofia Kerr for Maria Brennan, Una Duggan for Ciara Dunne, Aoife Norris, Angela Carroll, Caoimhe Dowling (Capt), Niamh Deely, Grace Brennan, Jessica Smith, Laura Greene, Caoimhe Keher Murtagh, Steffi Fitzgerald, Emma Shortall.
Wexford: Jane Duggan, Leagh Maddock, Maeve Sinnott, Grace Ivanoff, Eirin O’Brien, Amy Cahill, Laura Dempsey, Leah Furlong, Layla Stafford, Siobhan Sinnott, Anais Curran (Capt), Kayla Reddy, Sadhbh Buttle, Caoimhe Byrne, Joanne Dillon. Subs – Sarah O’Donoghue for Kayla Reddy, Muireann Fitzpatrick for Siobhan Sinnott, Chloe, Whelan for Eirin O’Brien, Ellen Coleman, Chloe Cashe, Leah Nolan, Linda Bolger, Clodagh Jackson, Ciara Butler, Kiera Dempsey, Keeva Steadmond, Kate Flood, Robyn Kinsella.
Referee: Andy Larkin, Cork
Unbeaten Kilkenny look to continue winning run against Waterford
All-Ireland Quarter Finals, Saturday, Croke Park, 1pm throw in.
Kilkenny will enter Saturday’s championship clash with Waterford full of confidence as they aim to extend their flawless run this season. The Cats have been one of the standout teams in the competition, winning all five of their matches to date and establishing themselves as serious championship contenders.
A key factor in Kilkenny’s success has been the scoring power of Aoife Prendergast, Sarah Barcoe and Asha McHardy. The trio has consistently delivered when it matters most, combining clinical finishing with excellent teamwork to keep Kilkenny’s attack among the most dangerous in the championship.
Waterford, meanwhile, have battled through one of the toughest groups in the competition. Drawn alongside last year’s four All-Ireland semi-finalists, Cork, Galway and Tipperary, the Déise recorded an impressive opening victory over Tipperary (0-16 to 1-10) before suffering defeats to Galway (0-13 to 1-13) and Cork (0-10 to 1-13). They finished the group stage with one win from three outings.
Beth Carton, Annie Fitzgerald, Eimear O’Neill and Niamh Rockett have carried much of Waterford’s scoring burden this year. However, Rockett is expected to miss Saturday’s encounter after receiving a red card against Cork, a setback that weakens Waterford’s attacking options.
With momentum firmly on their side, Kilkenny will be favourites to progress. Their consistency, attacking quality and unbeaten record make them a formidable opponent. Waterford will need a near-perfect performance to halt the Cats’ march, but Kilkenny will be determined to maintain their winning streak and continue their impressive championship campaign.
