Cloonan stars as Tribesmen beat Cats

Galway 0-18 Kilkenny 1-12

Galway, with Eugene Cloonan shooting 12 points, claimed their second victory in the Allianz NHL when they beat defending champions Kilkenny at Pearse Stadium this afternoon.

Kilkenny, who lost to Waterford last weekend, were in serious trouble from the beginning.

With Cloonan contributing seven points, the wind-assisted home side ease into a 0-12 to 0-7 lead by the interval.

Cloonan improved that advantage with two points immediately after the break and it looked curtains for the Cats.

However a 59th minute goal from sub John Hoyne, followed immediately by a point from DJ Carey, brought Kilkenny back to within two points of the opposition.

However, Galway finished on a high and two scores from Cloonan and another from a Damien Hayes helped them to a very well deserved victory.