Power and Cody drive Kieran’s win

THE sons of famous fathers were very to the fore as St Kieran’s College captured the Leinster SAHC title in Nowlan Park yesterday.

John Power, son of former All Star Richie, claimed 2-6 while Diarmuid Cody, son of Kilkenny boss Brian, hit a vital goal as the All-Ireland champions continued their provincial dominance after a powerful final 10-minute surge. In the 51st minute Power, after a beautifully weighted handpass from Cody, lofted the ball over the advancing keeper for a 2-6 to 0-7 lead. Sixty seconds later Cody swept the ball to the net with a superb finish and Castlecomer’s resolve was broken.

Power shot his first goal in the 15th minute to put Kieran’s three points clear (1-2 to 0-2). The winners dominated midfield and with the half-back line of Cathal O’Neill, Pat O’Carroll and Enda Morrissey also in top form, they kept a tight rein on the opposition. By half-time, Kieran’s led 1-5 to 0-3. Castlecomer dug in after the turn, and with Charlie Dwyer picking off points they had cut the gap to two (0-7 to 1-6) before St Kieran’s blistering finish.

Scorers for St Kieran’s College: J. Power (2-6, 0-6 frees); D. Cody (1-0); C. Buckley (0-1).

Scorers for Castlecomer CS: C. Dwyer (0-6, five frees); B. Brophy (0-1).

ST KIERAN’S COLLEGE: S. Johnson; L. Hickey, W. Phelan, R. O’Hanrahan; C. O’Neill, P. O’Carroll, E. Morrissey; P. Butler, C. O’Shea; J. Power, A. Cleere, C. Buckley; J. Nolan, M. Brennan, D. Cody.

Subs: R. Reid for Nolan 23, P. Kennelly for A. Cleere 48, T. O’Hanrahan for Buckley 56, M. Donnelly for Reid 57.

CASTLECOMER: D. Breen; K. Delaney, R. Healy, N. Callinan; R. Kinsella, B. Cahill, D. Dunne; P. Keating, D. Moran; E. Brennan, R. Moran, C. Dwyer; S. Daly, B. Brophy, L. Maher. Subs: A. Carron for R. Moran (inj) 40, E. Bergin for B. Brophy 45.

Referee: P. O’Dwyer (Carlow).