Cats retain Walsh Cup crown

Kilkenny 1-18 Wexford 1-12

Kilkenny’s senior hurlers retained the Walsh Cup this afternoon, winning 1-18 to 1-12 despite a late rally from Wexford in the final at Nowlan Park.

Brian Cody's Cats, who beat Wexford by three points in last year's decider, led 0-12 to 0-03 at half-time with James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick top-scoring with five points.

New Kilkenny captain Michael Kavanagh, John Tennyson, Tommy Walsh, Derek Lyng and Aidan Fogarty, who was twice denied a goal in the first half by Wexford goalkeeper Damien Fitzhenry, were all on target.

Wexford, who were forced to slot Malachy Travers in at full-back for late withdrawal Keith Rossiter, were struggling but showed signs of life early in the second half.

Stephen Doyle, who crashed a goal chance off the cross bar in the first half, reduced the gap to eight for Wexford with two successive points.

Paul Carley and Doyle combined to send Rory Jacob through on 62 minutes for a neat goal finish past Cats 'keeper PJ Ryan, but moments later, Fogarty, who scored 1-05, kicked home Kilkenny's goal and the Cup was theirs.