Champions St Kieran’s on course for three in a row

All-Ireland Croke Cup semi-final - St Kieran’s (Kilkenny) 2-16 Our Lady’s Templemore (Tipperary) 0-13: Goals in either half from Colum Prendiville and Joe Cuddihy proved crucial for St Kieran’s as the holders moved just an hour away from a 21st Croke Cup title.

The Kilkenny kingpins claimed a nine-point victory over beaten Harty Cup finalists Our Lady’s Templemore to set up a meeting with Ardscoil Rís in the All-Ireland Post Primary Senior Hurling Championship showpiece.

St Kieran’s will aim for three-in-a-row and mentor Liam Smith hailed the resilience of his young charges. He said: “That was a tough game, but we knew that coming here. Templemore are a side with a lot of passion, they’re quality hurlers but I’m so proud of our lads. They dug it out, got scores when we needed and kept working, which got us to the final.”