Kenny’s Late Free Secures Thrilling Win for Kilkenny Over Waterford
UPMC Nowlan Park witnessed a dramatic finish on Sunday as Cian Kenny’s 75th-minute free point secured a 1-21 to 1-20 victory for Kilkenny over a resilient Waterford in the National Hurling League.
A Tightly Contested Affair
The match was a tense battle throughout, with Waterford briefly taking the lead in the 68th minute through points from Sean Walsh and Stephen Bennett, establishing a 1-20 to 1-18 advantage. However, Kilkenny demonstrated their championship pedigree, battling back to level the score before Kenny’s decisive free.
First-Half Action
Kilkenny enjoyed a productive start, despite playing against the wind. A seventh-minute goal from Martin Keoghan, finished at the second attempt after a save from Billy Nolan, gave the Cats an early boost. Mikey Butler extended Kilkenny’s lead with a point in the 20th minute, leaving the score at 0-03 to 1-06.
Waterford responded with an inspired surge, sparked by a remarkable 85-meter point from full-back Mark Fitzgerald. Shane Bennett, Paddy Leavey, Michael Kiely, and Jamie Barron then contributed points to narrow the gap. Kenny’s point steadied Kilkenny, but Waterford continued to press, drawing level with a point from Sean Mackey.
Second-Half Drama
Points from Cian Kenny and David Blanchfield after the restart gave Kilkenny a three-point advantage. However, Waterford refused to yield. Sean Walsh’s 40th-minute goal leveled the score at 1-13 apiece. Patrick Curran then put Waterford ahead for the first time.
The teams traded points repeatedly before Walsh and Bennett’s scores put Waterford two points clear. Kilkenny, however, found one last push, with Kenny ultimately converting the winning free after a foul on John Donnelly.
“A 75th minute point from a free by Cian Kenny earned Kilkenny their second win from three outings when they edged out unlucky Waterford.”
RTÉ Sport
Key Performers
- Cian Kenny (Kilkenny): Scored seven points, including the winning free.
- Martin Keoghan (Kilkenny): Contributed 1-02, including a crucial late equalizer.
- Stephen Bennett (Waterford): An
excellent
performance with 0-05, including two frees and one 65. - Sean Walsh (Waterford): Scored 1-02, including a vital goal.
Team Lineups
Kilkenny
Eoin Murphy; Mikey Butler (0-01), Michael Carey, Rory Garrett; Killian Doyle, Darragh Corcoran (0-01), Paddy Deegan; Jordan Molloy (0-01), David Blanchfield (0-02); Timmy Clifford (0-1), Eoin Cody (0-02), Cian Kenny (0-7, six frees); Stephen Donnelly, Liam Moore (0-02), Martin Keoghan (1-02).
Subs: John Donnelly (0-01) for Clifford 42nd min; Ed McDermott (0-01) for S. Donnelly 49th min; Richie Reid for M. Butler 63rd min; Michael Brennan for Moore 67th min.
Waterford
Billy Nolan; Aaron O’Neill, Mark Fitzgerald (0-01), Conor Keane; Paddy Leavey (0-01), Iarlaith Daly, Shane Bennett (0-02); Michael Kiely (0-01), Jamie Barron (0-02); Calum Lyons, Kevin Mahony, Reuben Halloran (0-01); Stephen Bennett (0-5, two frees, one 65), Sean Walsh (1-02), Charlie Treen (0-01).
Subs: Sean Mackey (0-03) for C. Lyons 30th min; Patrick Curran (0-01) for Treen ht; Jack Prendergast for C. Keane 39th min; Dessie Hutchinson for K. Mahony 52nd min.
Referee
Sean Stack (Dublin).
FAQ
Who scored the winning point for Kilkenny?
Cian Kenny scored the winning point from a free in the 75th minute.
What was the final score?
Kilkenny 1-21, Waterford 1-20.
Where was the match played?
The match was played at UPMC Nowlan Park.
Kenny’s late heroics secured Kilkenny’s second win of the campaign, demonstrating their resilience and ability to close out tight contests. Waterford will be left to rue a missed opportunity, but their spirited performance suggests they will be a force to be reckoned with as the league progresses.
Stay tuned to 247sports.news for continued coverage of the National Hurling League!