Another win but Kilkenny still not firing on all cylinders

Kilkenny 2-19 Offaly 1-13: It told a tale of the first hour of this game that the loudest cheer in Nowlan Park came from the little pocket of Murray State University visitors.

They were formally welcomed to the home of Kilkenny hurling at half-time and made their presence in the 6,976 crowd immediately known.

Aside from that, it was one of those flat afternoons — only three yellow cards were issued — that looked to be petering towards an inevitable conclusion; another Kilkenny win.