Donnelly double sees Thomastown power to All-Ireland Intermediate glory

Thomastown's dream season got the perfect ending as they again demonstrated their class in a dominant All-Ireland Final victory over Castlelyons.

Two second half goals from team captain Stephen Donnelly gave the 'Town some breathing space and while Castlelyons probably gave them their stiffest outing of the year, Thomastown's quality all over the field eventually told.

Thomastown had a dream beginning to the Croke Park decider as they raced into a five point lead and while their Cork oppponents remained in touch with Alan Fenton doing the majority of the scoring, there was still a five point gap at the half-time interval as Robbie Donnelly, John Donnelly, Jonjo Farrell and Peter McDonald all stood out for the Kilkenny side.

Castlelyons threatened to really make a game of it as they narrowed the gap back to four points on the back of a Colm Spillane effort at the beginning of the second half.

Nerves may have began to surface at this point for Thomastown followers as they missed a number of opportunities to go further ahead but the worries were soon washed away when John Donnelly set up cousin Stephen as he blasted an effort past Jack Barry in the Castlelyons goal.

That goal which was added to by further points from Luke Connellan, John Donnelly and Robbie Donnelly increased the gap on the scoreboard but Fenton's free-taking accuracy kept Castlelyons in touch.

Six points on the trot for Thomastown between the 39th and 46th minutes ended any hope of the scoreboard being overturned as Noel Doherty's men turned on the style inside the final quarter.

Castlelyons kept at it but they were very much second best on the evening and adding to efforts from Eddie and Robbie Donnelly, it was Stephen Donnelly who bagged his second goal late on as Thomastown became the eight Kilkenny club and the first since Tullaroan in 2020 to claim Intermediate honours.

Teams and Scorers 

Thomastown- Robbie Donnelly (0-10, 0-5 frees and 0-2 65's); Stephen Donnelly (2-2); John Donnelly (0-4); Luke Connellan, Jonjo Farrell (0-2 each); Jack Holden, Peter McDonald, Eddie Donnelly (0-1 each)

Castlelyons- Alan Fenton (0-7, 0-4 frees and 0-2 65's); Niall O'Leary, Colm Spillane (0-2 each); Barry Murphy Oscar Hallihan (0-1 each)

Thomastown- Diarmuid Galway; Peter Connellan, Jay Burke, Ned Kirwan; Brian Staunton, Eddie Donnelly, Zach Bay Hammond; Peter McDonald, Jonjo Farrell; Robbie Donnelly, John Donnelly, Luke Connellan; Thomas O'Hanrahan, Jack Holden, Stephen Donnelly.

Subs: Dylan Waugh for Holden, 51 mins; Richard O'Hara for Kirwan, 58 mins; David Prendergast for O'Hanrahan, 58 mins; Brian O'Hanrahan for Bay Hammond, 60 mins; Alex Cass for L Connellan, 60 mins.

Castleylons- Jack Barry; Jamie O'Leary, Colm Barry, Dara Spillane; Niall O'Leary, Colm Spillane, Leo Sexton; Barry Murphy, James Kearney; Leon Doocey, Alan Fenton, Keith O'Leary; David Morrison, Anthony Spillane, Oscar Hallihan.

Subs: Colm McCarthy for Doocey, 11 mins; Shane Moroney for J O'Leary, 48 mins; Brian O'Donovan for Hallihan, 52 mins; Ronan Fenton for Morrison, 55 mins; Rob Feeney for K O'Leary, 57 mins.

Referee- Michael Kennedy (Tipperary)