Leinster SHC: Galway cruise to victory
Padraic Mannion, Galway, and Gearóid Dunne, Kilkenny, in Leinster SHC action. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
Galway 3-25 Kilkenny 1-16
By Cian O'Connell at Pearse Stadium
This was a most satisfactory Saturday in Salthill for Galway.
With a new and exciting wave of talent being developed, the locals went home content that two Leinster SHC points were pocketed with the minimum of fuss.
The findings from the Allianz Hurling League brought a dash of hope in the west, and Micheál Donoghue's emerging team enjoyed plenty of encouraging first half moments.
A couple of Rory Burke goals ensured the pumped up home team departed at the break armed with a 2-8 to 0-9 lead.
Kilkenny, who were more efficient converting chances initially, had edged 0-7 to 0-6 in front before Galway pounced for a 25th minute major.
The move illustrated Galway's slick style as Padraic Mannion, Cian Daniels, and Tiernan Killeen were all involved in the build up with Burke providing the accomplished finish.
Liam Moore and TJ Reid (free) responded to draw Kilkenny level, 1-6 to 0-9, but Galway hit 1-2 on the spin.
Burke rifled a 34th minute into the back of the Kilkenny net following a foul on Aaron Niland, resulting in a yellow card for Darragh Corcoran and a Mikey Carey black card.
Daniels, diligent at centrefield, and the effective Burke added points ensuring Galway were five ahead at the turnaround.
Within seconds of the restart Kilkenny's John Donnelly was red carded for a challenge on Darren Morrissey.
Galway dictated the agenda in the third quarter, outscoring the visitors by 1-6 to 0-3.
During that burst, the Galway goal arrived in the 48th minute as Cathal Mannion and Daniels combined to release Rabbitte, who made the Kilkenny net dance.
Following a 61st minute foul on the industrious Eoin Cody, TJ Reid goaled for Kilkenny reducing the deficit to 3-16 to 1-13.
It scarcely bothered Galway, though, as substitites Darragh Neary (2), Conor Cooney (2), Colm Molloy, Tom Monaghan, and Evan Niland (free) all contributed scores.
In the dying embers Conor Whelan was sent off for a second yellow card offence. Offaly are next on the agenda for Galway on April 26. The previous evening Kilkenny host Wexford at UPMC Nowlan Park. Crucial matches are arriving thick and fast.
Scorers for Galway: Rory Burke 2-2 (1-0 pen), Aaron Niland 0-8 (6fs), Jason Rabbitte 1-1, Ronan Glennon, Conor Cooney, and Darragh Neary 0-2 each, Cian Daniels, Daithi Burke, Padraic Mannion, Gavin Lee, Colm Molloy, Conor Whelan, Tom Monaghan, and Evan Niland (f) 0-1 each.
Scorers for Kilkenny: TJ Reid 1-8 (1-0 pen, 7fs), Eoin Cody 0-2, Liam Moore, Jordan Molloy, Cian Kenny, Martin Keoghan, Stephen Donnelly, and Timmy Clifford 0-1 each.
Galway: Darach Fahy; Ronan Glennon, Cillian Trayers, Darren Morrissey; Padraic Mannion, Gavin Lee, Daithí Burke; Cian Daniels, Tiernan Killeen; Rory Burke, Cathal Mannion, John Fleming; Jason Rabbitte, Conor Whelan, Aaron Niland.
Kilkenny: Aidan Tallis; Mikey Carey, Mikey Butler, Paddy Deegan; David Blanchfield, Darragh Corcoran, Richie Reid; Cian Kenny, Jordan Molloy; Liam Moore, Eoin Cody, John Donnelly; Martin Keoghan, TJ Reid, Gearoid Dunne.
Referee: Colm Lyons (Cork).
