Cool Cats batter Rebels

Kilkenny 4-26 Cork 0-11

Denis Walsh's first game as Cork senior hurling manager was one to forget as All-Ireland champions Kilkenny handed the Rebels a heavy beating at Nowlan Park.

Cork's 2008 aces looked well off championship pace as the Cats tore them apart to qualifying for the Division 1 final.

27 points was the final margin and it could have been more. Richie Power typified the drive and will to succeed of this Kilkenny team, flicking home the first of his three goals for an early 1-3 to 0-2 lead.

Jerry O'Connor and Graham Callanan pointed in the opening minutes for the visitors but Eoin Larkin, Eddie Brennan and Michael Rice began a steady stream of scores for Brian Cody's men.

Brennan boosted the Cats' tally to 1-8 before a stinging shot from Larkin led to his side's second goal.

2-16 to 0-5 behind at half-time, there was more agony for Walsh's men when Power struck again when knocking a free delivery from PJ Ryan to the net.

He increased his influence with another swirling effort which flew past Donal Og Cusack in the Cork goal, and the game was as good as over.

With Michael Fennelly another player to star, Kilkenny emptied their substitutes bench and players of the calibre of Richie Hogan, Martin Comerford and Michael Grace kept the scoreboard operator busy.

For Cork, who were suffering their fourth defeat of the league campaign, there was little in the way of consolation. Walsh had a big task on his hands and this result confirmed as much.