Graigue had a real battle on their hands

Graigue-Ballycallan 3-12 Young Irelands 1-13

But they had to endure a tough fight against Young Irelands of Gowran at Nowlan Park yesterday.

Make that several fights, as - in a first-half that spilled over into ugliness on several occasions - a match-up that should have featured all the best that Kilkenny hurling has to offer instead featured the worst.