Martin penalty puts Cats on winning trail

Last year’s beaten finalists Kilkenny opened their Leinster MHC campaign with a flattering eight point win over Laois in O’Moore Park on Saturday.

A Conor Martin penalty in the second minute had given Kilkenny the dream start, and they could have had more goals but for some inspired goalkeeping from Laois stopper Enda Rowland.

After a nervy start, the hosts finally settled, with PJ Scully and Cha Dwyer doing all the scoring as Laois trailed 1-9 to 0-7 at the break. Kilkenny pushed that lead out to seven with just over five minutes gone in the second-half, but Laois mounted a stirring comeback.