Kerry native Fionán Mackessy makes Kilkenny bow against Waterford

Kilkenny beat Waterford 1-19 to 1-17 in the challenge match at Piltown. 

Fionán Mackessy of Kilkenny warms-up before the inter-county hurling challenge match against Waterford at Piltown GAA Club in Kilkenny. Picture: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

Fionán Mackessy made his bow for Kilkenny in their challenge game against Waterford at Piltown on Saturday afternoon. The Kerry native joined the Cats panel over the winter after moving to Kilkenny for work early last year and transferring from home club St Brendan's Ardfert to O'Loughlin Gaels.

He impressed as O'Loughlins reached the county final where they lost to Thomastown, catching the eye of Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng sufficiently to earn a spot on the panel.