Cats ease past UCD in Walsh Cup

All-Ireland SHC champions Kilkenny got their competitive season off to a winning start as they easily brushed aside the challenge of UCD at Thomastown.

The Cats, who started seven of their All-Ireland-winning team, ran out 3-18 to 0-14 winners, with the result beyond doubt even at half-time.

Brian Cody's side had a 3-10 to 0-5 advantage over the students by the break as Eoin Larkin (2) and Aidan Fogarty shared out the goals.

Fogarty tallied up 1-4 in the opening period in a match which turned into little more than shooting practice - there was certainly an early season look to the Kilkenny stats as they shot 15 wides in all.

Larkin finished with 2-1, Richie Power notched 0-6 (2f) while UCD's free-taker Stephen Nolan, from Wexford, struck 0-8 of their final tally.

Cody raided his bench for the second half, bringing on Derek Lyng, Richie Mullally, Dunnamaggin's Seaghan O'Neill, Martin Comerford and Austin Murphy of Clara.

Debutant Paul Shields found the net for Antrim at Piercestown but the Saffrons were overpowered by a Wexford side who claimed a 3-10 to 1-14 victory.

Today's other quarter-final saw Offaly dispatch Westmeath out of the competition, winning by 2-22 to 1-7 in Mullingar.

RESULTS:

Wexford 3-10 Antrim 1-14, Piercestown

Kilkenny 3-18 UCD 0-14, Thomastown

Westmeath 1-7 Offaly 2-22, Mullingar