Cats’ fringe men hold on to deny brave NUIG

It may have been a senior development squad team on duty, but the New Year began as the old one finished for Kilkenny — a victory, albeit a hard-earned one.

Courageous NUIG just came up short at wet Freshford yesterday but it wasn’t before the students gave the Cats a fair run for their money. The college led until the 53rd minute when a pointed free from top scorer John Power, brother of senior star, Richie, put Kilkenny 0-11 to 0-10 in front for the first time.

The Cats kicked on with points from Martin Gaffney and Power again, but NUIG didn’t give up the ghost. A 65th minute point from Niall Burke left the minimum between the teams, and then it all came down to Burke and a 70th minute free in front of goal. However, his well struck effort went high and over the bar.