Dicksboro take city bragging rights in the Kilkenny Senior Hurling League

Dicksboro secured their first win in Group A of the St Canice's Credit Union Senior Hurling League, bouncing back from their opening loss to Tullaroan to narrowly beat a spirited James Stephens in St John's Park on Saturday afternoon. 

Two first half goals from Bill Sheehan would prove crucial for Michael Walsh's Dicksboro side as strong closing periods in both halves from James Stephens gave their city rivals plenty of reason to sweat on a day they were without key man Niall Brassil due to suspension.

The men in maroon made a dream start, leading 2-5 to 0-2 after just 12 minutes with Sheehan's brace of goals perfectly illustrating their dominance in general play. 

However, James Stephens never allowed Dicksboro to get too far ahead and rallied mid-way through the half with five points in a ten minute period. A brace from Cian Kenny including an impressive long range point as well as scores from; Luke Scanlon Ed Lauhoff and Willie Spencer kept them in touch at 2-8 to 0-7 after 22 minutes.

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A free from Harry Shine, who put in an outstanding shift for the 60 minutes along with scores from Cillian Hackett and Matty Kelleher restored some 'Boro breathing space on the scoreboard at 2-10 to 0-7 but a trio of points before the call of half-time meant Sheehan's brace of goals were all that seperated the teams at 2-10 to 0-10.

Dicksboro refound their form at the start of the second half with three Harry Shine points and an excellent score from Eoghan Moylan putting daylight between the teams at 2-14 to 0-12 after 42 minutes.

If the first 15 minutes of the half belonged to the 'Boro, the final 15 minutes was the Village's time to shine and they stood up to the mark with six of the game's last eight points. Cian Kenny from frees and Luke Scanlon, who really came to life at this juncture both lead their team by example as the red and green re-discovered their form.

But Dicksboro, who are sure to have county title hopes, gritted out the victory and the concession of two late frees by James Stephens wouldn't go unpunished by man of the match Harry Shine who converted both to seal a two point win for the men in maroon over their near neighbours.

Full report in this week's Kilkenny People

Starting Teams:

Dicksboro: Darragh Holohan; Joe Sheehan, Padraic Moylan, Niall Rowe; Eoin Fennelly, Cillian Buckley, Evan Cody; Cillian Hackett, Ollie Walsh; Matty Kelleher, Harry Shine, Kevin Moore; Shane Stapleton, Bill Sheehan, Mark Nolan.

James Stephens: Gavin Costigan; Shane Donohoe, Luke Murphy, Mikey Byrne; Sean Bergin, Diarmuid Cody, Niall Mullins; Cian Kenny, Ross Whelan; Andy Parsons, Sean Manogue, Ed Lauhoff; Ed McDermott, William Spencer, Luke Scanlon.

Referee: Stephen Delaney

Check out this week's Kilkenny People Sport Podcast below: