All-Ireland Intermediate semi-final
Kilkenny 0-24 Galway 0-10
The Kilkenny Intermediate team joins its senior and minor counterparts in the All-Ireland final thanks to a convincing fourteen point victory over Galway in the intermediate All-Ireland semi-final in O'Connor Park, Tullamore.
On a perfect day for hurling Kilkenny gave an exhibition of point scoring with captain Eoin Guinan from the St Lactain's club leading the way with an eleven point haul, seven of which came from play.
The opening quarter was evenly contested with the sides level with four points apiece after seventeen minutes. However in the lead up to half time Kilkenny gave an indication of what was to come as the half backline and midfield began to dominate and the Cats led at the break by 0-10 to 0-6.
On the restart Galway narrowed the gap thanks to a pointed free from captain Brian Murphy. However, this only fired up the Cats and they took complete control of the game at this stage and reeled off five quick points in succession from Eoin Guinan, Niall Walsh, Bill Beckett (two ) and Nicky Cleere to open up a 0-15 to 0-8 lead. Right up to the final whistle the Leinster champions hit some excellent points but strangely never really threatened the goal. Kilkenny will now meet Cork in the All-Ireland final in a fortnight's time with the venue to be confirmed. The Kilkenny team and scorers were as follows:
Liam Tierney (Inistioge ), Mark Phelan (Glenmore ), Paul Murphy (Danesfort ), Kieran Mooney (Conahy Shamrocks ), Ray Cody (Graiguenamanagh ), Paddy Hogan (Danesfort ) 0-2 frees, Niall Doherty (Galmoy ), Niall Walsh (Slieverue ) 0-1, Pat Hartley (Tullogher Rosbercon ) 0-1, Bill Beckett (St Lactain’s ) 0-4, Ritchie Dollard (Tullogher Rosbercon ) 0-2, Nicky Cleere (Bennettsbridge ) 0-2, Michael Grace (Inistioge ), Peter Cleere (Blacks and Whites ), Eoin Guinan (Captain ) (St Lactain’s ) 0-11 (0-4 frees ).
Subs: Ian Duggan (Mullinavat ), for Mark Phelan, John Cotterell (Tullogher Rosbercon ) for Ray Cody, Brian Lannon (Bennettsbridge ) for Nicky Cleere, Noel Doherty (Galmoy ) 0-1 for Michael Grace, Alan Healy (Conahy Shamrocks ) for Peter Cleere.
