Kilkenny’s involvement in this year’s national hurling league was brought to an end last Sunday when they were narrowly out-fought by a Galway side who, for various reasons, were more motivated on the day.
The pre-match warm up would lead you to believe that the Galway boys were only down for the spin. They were harmlessly punching the ball back and forth and taking pot shots at the post. On the other hand Kilkenny were going through their customary well-rehearsed drills but once referee James Owens set the game in motion that all changed.
Within minutes of the start it was quite noticeable that Galway were the more focused and driven side. The early exchanges saw the Tribesmen run into a five point to two lead. The scores may have came from the forward sector but they got ample supply of well directed possession from their defensive unit who were uncompromising in their duties.
Kilkenny’s newly installed captain TJ Reid got Kilkenny’s first point. We could say he was leading by example. The Cats did reduce the arrears to a solidarity point mid-way during the first half, but they always seemed to be playing second fiddle, and more importantly catch up, when it came to the score board. The Galway forwards repeatedly ran at the Kilkenny defence. It was a ploy that yielded some well taken points. I have to call a spade a spade - Jackie Tyrrell for the first time this year looked less than comfortable at centre back. His direct opponent contributed four points during the first half. However in his defence a lot of the pressure that was coming Jackie’s way was because the Kilkenny forwards sector was not working hard enough. He did go on to have a great second half, he either had a chat with himself, which players do at times, or he asked for greater help from his comrades.
Kilkenny found themselves four points down at the interval 13 points to nine. Judging by their demeanour in the early stages of the second half, the dressing rooms under the newly opened O’Cearbhail stand had probably heard the wrath of Brian Cody’s fury for the first time. The lethargic Kilkenny forward line that was on show during the first half suddenly hunted and scrapped for every possession, this hard work and harassment had a knock-on affect on two accounts. One, Kilkenny outscored their opponents 1-7 to one point during the third quarter, and two, the clean possession for the Galway forwards was being greatly reduced.
That flurry of Kilkenny scores saw the tide swing in Kilkenny’s favour, however there was to be another twist in this game, and the turning point came when Galway introduced three subs Kevin Hynes, Iarla Tannion, and young Richie Cummins - last year’s minor All Ireland winning captain. The trio gave fresh emphasis to the Galway attack who had lost their way. Tannion lashed home (2-1 ) during his 20 minute spell, his two goals more or less won the day for the Tribesmen.
Kilkenny’s TJ Reid did have a chance to win the day deep into injury time, but his low drive was diverted wide by the Galway keeper. Some people were questioning the captain’s decision to go for a goal when a point would have levelled the game, but the reality is if Kilkenny were to have any chance of making the league final - a victory was a must.
I would actually admire the Ballyhale man for having the bottle to go for it. The Galway players showed plenty of emotion after their victory. For them any win over Kilkenny is a good one. There is no doubt they will be a force to be reckoned with further down the road especially when the Portumna contingent return.
Kilkenny’s third defeat in this year’s league has certainly raised eyebrows, but I think more raised outside the county than within. This year’s primary goal is to defend the Liam McCarthy. We all know what records that will bring if it is pulled off. There has been no quibble from the fans this year over teams, selections, or for that matter, changes during the games. The Kilkenny public is also looking at the bigger picture.
I must admit that I did chuckle this week when I read a few articles in the daily papers stating that Kilkenny hurling was in a crisis after its third league defeat. The state of the nation’s finances is what I call a crisis, and in sporting terms the Limerick fiasco is another, but surely it is only a lunatic that would sing this tune about Kilkenny hurling. They are obviously getting stuck for something to fill the pages.
Kilkenny were without the services of JJ Delaney, Henry Shefflin, Eddie Brennan, Michael Kavanagh. Noel Hickey, Derek Lyng, Eoin Larkin, and Michael Fennelly. They may not all make the starting line up for the championship but they will certainly drive each other on when the long evenings come in. I don’t think Kilkenny are certs to win this year’s championship as the pack is definitely closing in but they are in a good position to give it one hell of a shot.
Anyway the news of crisis and the fact Kilkenny have been beaten by Tipperary, Cork, and Galway will play into the managers’ barrow. They can now crack the whip and the players will know that the time has come to ship up or lose their place. The ante will definitely be cranked up in the coming months.
Next week’s league match against Limerick is now merely a challenge match, I would expect one or two fringe players to get a run. We all know winning is a good habit to get into, and the Cats should get back on that winning trail next Sunday before getting ready for their last league match against Waterford on Sunday week. The clash with the Deise usually takes on a life of its own as there has always been a bit of needle down through the years. Kilkenny’s day of reckoning will not come until the first round of the Leinster Championship. There will be no talk of crisis from anyone in the county until that fixture is played. I am cautiously optimistic that Liam will be still here in September.
PS Carlow proved that their victory over Wexford was no flash in the pan. Their one point defeat against Clare last Sunday was every bit as impressive as the Wexford victory, as the surprise element was gone. Let us hope they can build on the back of these two good results
