Cody content as Cats off mark

A SUCCESSFUL start to the their NHL title defence by Kilkenny in Nowlan Park yesterday, but – as you’d expect for this time of year – it wasn’t by any means a vintage performance from the champions.

Fielding just eight of those who started in last year’s All-Ireland final, most of those in the defence, the hosts made heavy weather of what was a stubborn Offaly challenge.

Only three points separated the sides at the break, Kilkenny ahead 0-10 to 0-7, free-takers Richie Power (Kilkenny) and Shane Dooley (Offaly) doing most of the scoring with seven and six points respectively from placed balls.