Kilkenny Seconds open new year with convincing win

The Kilkenny Ladies seconds got the second half of their season off to a blistering start with an excellent display away to Our Lady’s Hockey Club in Terenure on Saturday.

Kilkenny’s defensive dominance in the opening quarter - Andrea Parr, Jill O’Keefe, Niamh Boland and Maggie Byrne shone - saw them keep any scoring threats from Our Lady’s at bay.

The Cats then blasted into fine form after a mere seven minutes of play. A huge carry down the left hand side of the pitch by Louise Kenny and a well timed pass into the path of Hannah Bailey saw Bailey smash the ball into the back of the Our Lady’s net to give the travelling side an early lead.

Kilkenny continued their attacking form into the second half. Catriona Twomey’s skilful stick work resulted in Kilkenny being awarded a brace of penalty corners. Captain Rachel Crotty made no mistake, slotting the ball accurately into the corner of the net for Kilkenny’s second goal of the game.

Aoife Cotter and Faye Reynolds impressed for Kilkenny and their clever movement off the ball and exceptional passing saw Kilkenny convert once again. Soon after, quick thinking from forward Catriona Twomey saw her deflect the ball into the back of the net to send the Cats into the final quarter with a comfortable four goal lead.

Kilkenny’s intense pressing in the last quarter saw Nessa Farrell intercept the Our Lady’s hit out and found herself one on one with the opposition goalkeeper. Farrell made no mistake in slotting the ball past the ’keeper to seal a convincing victory for the Cats. Coach Sue Shirley was delighted with the overall team performance, as well as a super start to 2025.

Kilkenny Seconds - Hazel Cleere, Jill O’Keefe, Andrea Parr, Niamh Boland, Hannah Bailey, Maggie Byrne, Iseult Cahill, Rachel Crotty (C), Nessa Farrell, Faye Reynolds, Catriona Twomey, Louise Kenny, Aoife Cotter.

Coach: Sue Shirley.