ALAN’S KEY AS CATS HOLD OFF MARTIN’S MEN
ALAN MURPHY scored seven points as Kilkenny came good to see off a stirring Offaly challenge and reach the Walsh Cup final.
The good feeling surrounding the commencement of Kevin Martin’s reign with Offaly continued into the opening period of this tie.
Aided by a strong wind, the hosts led by six points at one stage, thanks to a goal by Conor Mahon and points from Thomas Geraghty, Shane Kinsella and goalkeeper Eoin Cahill.
Martin – a combative halfback in his days as a two-time All-ireland and All-star winner with Offaly – would have been buoyed by the efforts of his defensive unit against an admittedly unheralded Kilkenny attacking unit.
The rookies in black and amber, possibly contemplating a half-time rollicking from manager Brian Cody, stirred themselves in the second quarter though and a goal before the interval by Ger Malone had them trailing by just 1-10 to 1-9 at the break.
The scoreline flattered the visitors but with the elements backing their efforts, and Cody’s instructions fresh in their minds, they resumed in pleasing fashion with four points on the trot.
Offaly always kept in touch and Shane Dooley planted a penalty beyond Eoin Murphy to bring them level.
With Murphy, Richie Reid and Richie Leahy showing a keen eye for the posts (the latter duo hit eight points from play between them), Kilkenny were always able to keep their noses in front.
Indeed, they could even afford to concede a third goal, to the excellent Kinsella, and still advance to the decider.
KILKENNY scorers: A Murphy 0-7(6fs); R Reid 0-5; R Leahy 0-3; G Malone 1-0; J Donnelly 0-2; J Walsh, B Sheehan, C Martin 0-1 each
OFFALY scorers: S Kinsella 1-3; S Dooley (1-0 pen, 0-1f); E Cahill 0-3(fs); C Mahon 1-0; T Geraghty 0-2; O Kelly (f), L Langton 0-1 each