Kilkenny Ratings

6 EOIN One point clearances obvious late MURPHY on were and error untypical a for couple Ian Daly’s of of errant him but good CONOR Imperious early DELANEY for save much from of Austin the game Gleeson. with 8 so Jamie out. many Dessie Barron important Hutchinson in either blocks, half eventually standing two on made HUW LAWLOR an impact on him though.

6

Lived in and the Gleeson dangerously company and of was Stephen at different often Bennett stretched times as TOMMY both took WALSH turns to move out.

7

Mixed times and policing had plenty duties of with freedom Lawlor to at cover which he used quite effectively.

7 PÁDRAIG Quieter than WALSH he was in the Leinster final some but timely influential interceptions, nonetheless tackles with and precise deliveries. 8 CILLIAN Some untidy BUCKLEY clearances but master of covered all he surveyed everywhere. for a Couldn’t long time always and stem the tide of runners though.

6 PADDY Nailed a DEEGAN late point, having hit a wide early with Jack on but Fagan. had his troubles in the air 7 CONOR Set up Hogan BROWNE for an early score, delivered for second goal and worked hard before feeling pinch when Waterford’s running game kicked in. CONOR FOGARTY 7

One important tackle on Calum Lyons typified his honesty of effort and a strong presence around the middle. JOHN DONNELLY 8

Worked hard down the right wing, winning four frees for Reid to convert and adding two points. TJ REID 9

Great anticipation for the second goal and some wonderful catches as he helped himself to 1-14. Where would this Kilkenny team be without him? MARTIN KEOGHAN 6

Kept composure for the first goal and landed an early point but was first to be replaced as mistakes crept in. BILLY RYAN 5

Some early impact and won a free for Reid to convert but faded and was replaced during third-quarter Déise storm. RICHIE HOGAN 7

Looked dangerous early on, set up first goal, drifted out of it but popped up with a fine second-half point. EOIN CODY 7

Ran hard, won frees, claimed puckouts and was rewarded with two points. Plenty of promise. SUBSTITUTES

Walter Walsh 6 made a series of pressure tackles and set up scores for Reid, Colin Fennelly 5 made little impact, Niall Brassil 5 had chances, while Ger Aylward 5 should have been awarded a free.