Hogan’s goal sets Clara on their way

A super goal from Keith Hogan, brother of county star Brian, fired holders Clara to victory over a young James Stephens team in the first round of the Kilkenny senior hurling championship yesterday.

Hogan struck in the 37th minute to shoot Clara 1-11 to 0-11 in front after the opposition had claimed the opening three scores of the half. The winners tagged on a brace of quick points through Hogan and the outstanding Austin Murphy to edge into a five-point lead and they led all the way from there.

Gutsy Stephens, who had two county minors in attack in the shape of Luke Scanlon and Conor Browne, kept up a strong chase but they could never get nearer than four points before eventually losing 1-20 to 0-18.