Not even a hat-trick by Kerry’s Padraig Boyle could prevent Westmeath from getting off to a winning start in their Allianz Division 2A campaign at Cusack Park, Mullingar, yesterday.

HURLING is on the cusp of a truly historic season as Kilkenny bid to achieve what no team in the GAA has done before and complete five-in-a-row of All-Ireland senior titles.

Kilkenny are without a number of first team regulars for tonight's Allianz NHL Division 1 opener against Tipperary at Semple Stadium (throw-in 7.30pm).

All-Ireland champions and four-in-a-row Walsh Cup chasers Kilkenny were sensationally knocked out of the 2008 Walsh Cup today as they went down to a 2-15 to 1-17 defeat to Antrim.