Shefflin earns first win as Kilkenny manager in courageous performance over near-neighbours

It was relief for Tommy Shefflin and Kilkenny in UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday, as they took a step closer to maintaining their Division 1A status with a five point win over next door neighbours Waterford.

A brace of first half goals from Kellyann Doyle sent the hosts on their way to victory, but it was far from smooth sailing in parts, with a slow start and brave Waterford fightback near the finish leaving Kilkenny supporters in a sweat.

However, there can be no disputing the better side prevailed with the three points.

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A goal inside three minutes from Mairead O'Brien gave the Deise a dream start but the hosts did find their rhythm, with that goal all that separated them by the 14th minute (1-3 to 0-3).

The Kittens were soon level though as a high Katie Nolan delivery found Doyle, who pulled to the net from the close range. 

The green flag proved to be a great motivator for Tommy Shefflin's team, as they outscored their opponents 1-7 to 0-2 in the remining minutes of the half.

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The second goal of the game also came from the hurl of Kellyann Doyle, who benefitted from a quick thinking free from Laura Greene to roof the ball to the net (2-6 to 1-5 after 22 minutes).

Waterford did show positive signs in the second half and stayed in touch with Niamh Rockett and Mairead O'Brien leading the charge in the scoring stakes at wing and full-forward respectively. 

And it was a Mairead O'Brien goal in the 57th minute that created late drama as the away team scored 1-2 in a nerve-wracking period that perhaps, if it had arrived earlier, could have caused more concern.

But Kilkenny deservedly march on with their first win in the bag pocket. An away trip to Dublin now awaits next weekend where a win will guarantee Division 1A status for 2026.

See People Sport for a full match report...

Starting Teams:

Kilkenny - Aoife Norris (Piltown); Ava Brett (St Brigid's), Tiffanie Fitzgerald (Young Irelands), Ciara Phelan (Dicksboro); Miriam Bambrick (O'Loughlin Gaels); Caoimhe Dowling (Dicksboro); Niamh Deeley (James Stephens); Laura Greene (O'Loughlin Gaels); Aobha O'Gorman (Dicksboro); Mary O'Connell (Clara); Steffi Fitzgerald (Young Irelands), Caoimhe Keher Murtagh (Rower Inistioge); Laura Murphy (O'Loughlin Gaels), Kellyann Doyle (Piltown), Katie Nolan (St Martin's).

Waterford - Noelle Murphy; Rachael Walsh, Keeley Corbett Barry, Allanah McNulty; Bevin Bowdren, Lorraine Bray Cappoquin, Iona Heffernan; Orla Hickey, Eimear O'Neill; Beth Carton, Abbie Flynn, Niamh Rockett; Annie Fitzgerald, Mairead O'Brien, Kate Lynch.

Referee - Ray Kelly (Kildare)