Kilkenny Firsts go off-track as Railway Union advance in Cup

A fascinating encounter in the Neville Davin Cup quarter-finals, as Railway Union came from strength to strength to secure a 3-1 win over Kilkenny. It was a match of moments, of chances - and of what-ifs - as both teams battled it out in what was a contest full of passion.

The game began in cautious fashion, as neither side could find a real foothold in the opening quarter, which ended scoreless.

Then came the second quarter, when the game truly came to life. Billy McEnery showed his attacking prowess early, driving into the Railway circle and winning a short corner. Riain Delaney delivered a drag flick low and hard, but Railway’s keeper was equal to it. The rebound fell to McEnery who sent it goalwards, but the ball appeared to strike the body of Railway’s Mark English on the line. A clear appeal for a penalty stroke from Kilkenny, but the umpire unsighted, waved play on.

What followed was an immediate turnaround. Railway, buoyed by Kilkenny’s misfortune, responded quickly with two short corners of their own. Mark English showed his class. The first: a recovery from a mis-trap by Kenny Carroll on top of the D, but English kept his cool, pulling the ball onto his reverse and firing it into the bottom corner. Kilkenny ’keeper Andrew Tector had no chance.

The second corner was a moment of brilliance, a drag flick into the roof of the net, unstoppable. Railway were 2-0 up, and Kilkenny now had a mountain to climb.

The third quarter saw Railway strike again, almost immediately. Darragh Curley’s drive down the end line saw him turn the ball into the goal, making it 3-0, and with that, it seemed like the game was slipping away from Kilkenny.

Credit to the hosts, they didn't give up. Emmet Hughes and Kyle Hancock were solid in defence, keeping Railway at bay. Billy McEnery was central to everything good for Kilkenny, picking out passes and looking to break down Railway’s defence. Eddie Dore in midfield looked to dictate the play, spreading the ball with composure.

Then came the moment of hope. Kieran Delaney won a short corner, and his younger brother Riain, just 16 years old, stepped up. A drag flick, low, hard, and perfectly placed, flew into the back of the net! Suddenly Kilkenny were back in the game, the home side showing a buzz of energy and a flicker of belief.

Kilkenny pushed on, looking for that crucial second goal. The best chance fell to McEnery, who intercepted the ball at the top of the D and smashed a reverse shot just inches wide. The Railway ’keeper was left rooted to the spot, but Kilkenny couldn’t make it count.

In the end, it finished 3-1 to Railway Union. They march on to the semi-finals, with Kilkenny left to reflect on a performance full of heart and fight but perhaps lacking that final bit of quality when it mattered.

Dave McClure had a solid outing for Kilkenny, constantly lively, and showing great energy throughout. Kilkenny will feel disappointed but can take pride in the way they fought back.