A strong first-half performance helped Bennettsbridge retain their senior hurling status when they beat St Patrick’s (Ballyragget) by 1-23 to 1-16 in today’s relegation final.

Henry Shefflin enjoyed a winning start to life in management as Ballyhale Shamrocks blitzed their way to the points in the Kilkenny senior hurling league.

Kilkenny 2-21 Offaly 2-9