Cork U20 hurlers edged out in lively challenge match against Kilkenny

Cork 1-20 Kilkenny 2-22 

AFTER winning three U20 All-Ireland hurling titles in four years, Cork are leading contenders again in 2024.

On Saturday afternoon, the Rebels continued their preparations for the campaign ahead courtesy of a challenge game against Kilkenny at Church Road in Blackrock. A productive outing for both sides, Kilkenny ultimately came out on top. 

Cork for large spells went toe-to-toe with a talented Kilkenny side and there would be little surprise if these sides went to battle in the latter stages of championship. 

The Ben O’Connor-managed side began brightly, with William Buckley proving red hot in the opening half and Jack Leahy also getting early well-taken points.

Kilkenny, All-Ireland U20 champions in 2022, were looking lively and sharp in the early stages though with Michael Brennan splitting the posts.

Cork found the back of the net on 15 minutes when Ross O’Sullivan clinically converted from close range after a well-worked passing move. Moments early Timmy Wilk got a fine point for the Rebels, with Cillian Tobin getting a fine score from distance.

Kilkenny found the back of the net before the break, as Niall Shortall finished off from a few yards out to the net. After a keenly contested opening half, the sides were level at 1-10 apiece.

Kilkenny came out rejuvenated after half-time, with scores from Darragh Queally putting them into a strong position. Cork continued to keep in the fight and Jack Leahy continued to point from a variety of angles, with Diarmuid Healy also getting a lovely effort.

Although the combination of Buckley and Leahy continued to prove profitable for the Rebels, Kilkenny struck a decisive blow in the closing few minutes, when a Greg Kelly under-hit free somehow managed to end up in the net.

Despite not coming out on the winning side, Ben O’Connor and his troops will have taken plenty from this workout.

Scorers for Cork: W Buckley 0-7 (0-1 f), R O’Sullivan 1-3, J Leahy 0-6 (0-3 f), T Wilk, C Tobin, M Finn, D Healy 0-1 each.

Kilkenny: D Queally 0-7 (0-4 f), G Kelly 1-3, M Brennan 0-6, N Shorthall 1-1, M Murphy 0-2, S Manogue(0-1f), P Langton, A McEvoy. 0-1 each.

CORK: P O’Sullivan (Fr O’Neills); J O’Brien (Fermoy), K Lyons (Ballygarvan), T Wilk (Cobh); J Dwyer (Ballincollig), D O’Sullivan (Ballinhassig), C Tobin (Bride Rovers); M Finn (Midleton), R Sweeney (Blackrock); D Healy (Lisgoold), W Buckley (St Finbarr’s), A O’Sullivan (Ballinhassig); D Cremin (Midleton), J Leahy (Dungourney), R O’Sullivan (Na Piarsaigh).

Subs: R Troy (Newtownshandrum) for Lyons (h-t), O McAdoo (Blackrock) for O’Brien (38), J Casey (Youghal) for A O’Sullivan, B Nyhan (Clyda Rovers) for Sweeney (both 45), R Dooley (Douglas) for Cremin (53).

KILKENNY: S Manogue; J Neary, B Brennan, I Bolger; B O’Neill, B Hughes, P Langton; K Doyle, C Hackett; M Brennan, J Fitzpatrick, J Hughes; N Shortall, M Murphy, A McEvoy;

Subs: D Queally for Murphy, G Kelly for Fitzpatrick (both h-t), T Kelly for Brennan (40), L Murphy for Neary (45), J Walsh for O’Neill (55).

Referee: Patrick O’Mahony (Kilbrittain).