Allianz League Game at a Glance: Kilkenny v Cork
Kilkenny 0-21 Cork 1-17
MAIN MAN
Adrian Mullen (Kilkenny)
One of the main aspects to look out for in the next few weeks will be to see where Kilkenny decide Adrian Mullen’s best position is. The Shamrocks star excelled in the half-forward line on Saturday night as he scored five points from play. He was the Cats most influential player in attack and after spells in midfield and the full forward line, his versatility is coming to the fore. As well as Mullen, Cian Kenny again stood out as did Eoin Cody while Shane Murphy and Luke Hogan put in excellent shifts on their first league starts for the county.
TURNING POINT
None as such as a it was a one point game that was only decided in stoppage time . Cork will regret some late misses whereas the Cats will be relieved to maintain their unbeaten start to the league.
TALKING POINT
There was a very small Kilkenny crowd in attendance on Leeside on Saturday where you could barely hear a cheer after a score and there are a couple of valid explanations for this. The main aspects being the late throw-in time and the live TV coverage. Kilkenny and Cork is undoubtedly an attractive draw but maybe an earlier start would have enticed more visiting fans to a venue that is notoriously difficult to get in and out of.
Highlight
After letting a big lead slip, Derek Lyng’s Kilkenny side showed great character and a lot of composure to find a way to dig out a result that puts them in a great position in the standings ahead of the final three games.
Attendance
16,274
WHAT NOW?
The league now takes a two week break before Kilkenny’s final home game against Offaly on Sunday February 25th. On that same afternoon, Cork face Waterford in Pairc Ui Chaoimh where a Rebels win may be needed to give them a chance of playing Division 1 hurling in the revamped structure for 2024.