Kilkenny boost as Reid returns after long injury lay-off

Kilkenny received a massive boost over the weekend with news that TJ Reid is ready to resume his inter-county career.

The five-times All-Ireland SHC medal winner had his first piece of action in nearly eight months when he helped Ballyhale Shamrocks to a 2-17 to 0-7 victory over Danesfort in the second round of the senior hurling league.

Reid, who played the full 60 minutes, scored a goal and had a penalty saved and showed no ill effects of the smashed knee cap he suffered in the closing stages of last year’s All-Ireland final replay win over Galway.

The 2012 All-Star will get to sample more action next weekend when the third series of league matches will be played.

Barring any setback there, the 25-year-old is set to be a contender for Kilkenny’s Leinster championship clash against Offaly in Tullamore on June 9.

There was additional good news for Kilkenny fans when Richie Power returned to action after missing the League final win in Nowlan over Tipperary with a rib injury.

Power hit four points as Carrickshock picked up their first win of the campaign when beating St Martin’s (Muckalee) 2-16 to 2-13.

However, Power was overshadowed by his younger brother John, who finished with 2-7.

Erin’s Own (Castlecomer) finished with 14 men, but they still proved too good for All-Ireland intermediate champions Clara, winning a lively contest 2-6 to 0-11.

In two poor earlier matches, James Stephens picked up their second win when beating out of sorts, Fenians (Johnstown) 1-17 to 1-6 while O’Loughlin Gaels won the city derby against Dicksboro (2-15 to 0-13).