Cats made to work for win over Galway

Kilkenny 2-20 Galway 3-13

The Cats kept their cool at O’Connor Park to sink their claws into a terrific Galway effort.

A pulsating Leinster SHC semi-final delivered quality in abundance and a thrilling contest that swung one way, then the next, and back again, ultimately in favour of the All-Ireland champions.

Joe canning, with a stunning 2-9 tally, did his best to topple Brian Cody’s apparently invincible side, but Galway manager John McIntyre will take many positives from this display as he prepares for the Qualifiers.

Henry Shefflin hit 10 points, but it was the finishing of Eoin Larkin in the second half that dragged Kilkenny back into the game after a Niall Healy goal had Galway ahead midway through the second half.

Galway raced into a 1-3 to 0-1 lead with a superb Canning goal in the fifth minute.

It was the 20-year-old attacking star who arrowed over those early points as well.

Henry Shefflin kept Kilkenny stay in touch of a fired up Tribal side by converting handful of frees, but Galway were still three points ahead midway through the first half, after Aengus Callanan had added to their tally.

But Kilkenny began to show how dangerous they can be by crafting a goal chance. Shefflin’s perfect pass sent Martin Comerford in, but his shot went just wide at the far post.

Shefflin again and Aidan Fogarty added points, but Canning once again responded to keep the Tribesmen in front.

That was until the All-Ireland champions produced a typical blast, with two goals in as many minutes.

Richie Power punished indecision in the Galway defence to hit the first from close range on 28 minutes, and it was Power who turned creator for Eddie Brennan to net the second.

Brian Cody’s men turned around with a 2-7 to 1-8 lead, but a foul on Niall Healy gave Canning the chance to blast a 20 metre free to the net three minutes into the second half.

Five minutes later they had the ball in the net again, Healy scooping home from a Damien Hayes assist.

Galway now led by five points, and Kilkenny appeared to be on the ropes, but they held their nerve and Shefflin provided the scoring class, along with Aidan Fogarty.

Without any sign of panic, they clawed their way back, and it was Eoin Larkin’s long-range point which brought the sides level with 10 minutes to play.

Larkin edged the Cats back in front, and Galway’s character was now under serious question.

The Connacht men were reduced to 14 when substitute Richie Murray received a straight red card, and Larkin continued to float over delightful scores as a brave Galway challenge gave way to the masters.

Kilkenny: PJ Ryan, M Kavanagh, JJ Delaney, J Tyrell, T Walsh, J Tennyson, J Dalton, M Fennelly, M Rice, H Shefflin (0-10, 6f, 1 ‘65’), M Comerford, E Larkin (0-5), E Brennan (1-0), R Power (1-0), A Fogarty (0-3).

Subs: D Lyng (0-2) for Fennelly (47), S Cummins for Kavanagh (49), R Hogan for Brennan (61)

Galway: C Callanan, D Joyce, S Kavanagh, O Canning, F Moore, J Lee, A Cullinane, E Lynch, K Hynes, A Callanan (0-1), C Donnellan (0-1), A Smith, D Hayes (0-1), J Canning (2-9, 1-7f, 0-2 ‘65’), N Healy (1-1).

Subs: D Tierney for Hynes (30), A Kerins for Smith (59), R Murray for Donnellan (60)

Referee: B Kelly (Westmeath)