Late penalty helps Cats claim opening win in Leinster League

Kilkenny secured their first away victory of the season at Kirwan Park on Sunday, edging out De La Salle Palmerstown (DLSP) in a thrilling contest that showcased resilience, skill, and grit.

The 21-19 victory was a hard-fought one, with Kilkenny overcoming injuries and a strong comeback effort from DLSP to clinch a much-needed win.

The match kicked off with Kilkenny taking an early lead courtesy of a penalty from fly-half Dan O’Neill. However, that initial excitement was dampened when centre Joey Manuel, a key defensive and attacking asset for Kilkenny, suffered an arm injury only minutes into the game.

His exit led to an early substitution, with Wes Carter coming on to reinforce the lineup. Despite the setback, Kilkenny maintained their composure and quickly began asserting control over the game.

Kilkenny’s forwards set the tone with powerful drives. After a series of well-orchestrated phases, Ben Devlin crossed over for the first try of the match. O’Neill’s successful conversion brought the score to 10-0, showcasing Kilkenny’s early dominance.

Both teams engaged in fierce tackles and strong runs, resulting in several stoppages for players to receive treatment from Kilkenny’s physio, Simon Smith. The game’s physicality was intense, with Kilkenny determined to keep DLSP from finding any attacking rhythm.

Late in the first half, however, DLSP capitalised on a brief lapse in Kilkenny’s defence. After a sequence of missed tackles, DLSP managed to score a try, cutting Kilkenny’s lead to 10-5.

While it was a soft try from Kilkenny’s perspective, DLSP’s determination served as a reminder of the challenge ahead.

Kilkenny responded with a penalty from O’Neill just before half-time, giving them a solid 13-5 advantage as they headed into the break.

The second half began with Kilkenny eager to extend their lead. Their forwards stepped up once again, launching a well-executed rolling maul that culminated in a try by wing forward Jason Connolly.

Though the conversion was missed, Kilkenny moved to an 18-5 lead, fuelling hopes from their travelling supporters who had come hoping to witness the team’s first potential away win of the season.

DLSP, however, was far from conceding. Refusing to back down, they responded with a try of their own, taking advantage of another defensive lapse from Kilkenny.

With the score now at 18-12, the match grew increasingly tense, and every play became a high-stakes encounter. Things took a challenging turn for Kilkenny when Charlie Buckley was shown a yellow card for a high tackle, forcing them to play a man down.

With Kilkenny shorthanded, DLSP seized the opportunity, crossing over once more to take a narrow 19-18 lead.

The shift in momentum threatened to derail Kilkenny’s previous efforts. As the clock ticked down, Kilkenny regrouped.

Awarded two late penalties, O’Neill stepped up but narrowly missed both attempts, leaving Kilkenny’s fate hanging in the balance. Just as it seemed that DLSP would walk away with the win, Kilkenny were awarded one final penalty in the dying seconds of the game.

This time, full back Axel Montgomery took on the responsibility, delivering a perfectly struck kick that sailed between the posts, securing a thrilling 21-19 victory for Kilkenny in the last play of the match.

This win not only marked Kilkenny’s first away victory but also a testament to their determination, teamwork, and resilience.

The game was physically punishing, with many players leaving the field looking visibly exhausted and bruised, a testament to the intensity of the encounter.

The traveling supporters who witnessed this nail-biting conclusion were rewarded for their support, and the victory lifts Kilkenny to fifth in the Leinster League Division 1B table. Looking ahead, Kilkenny will aim to build on this momentum when they face their old rivals, Dundalk, at Mill Road on Sunday.

This upcoming away game promises to be another fierce battle, with Kilkenny seeking to climb even higher in the league standings and continue their pursuit of a successful season, however Dundalk is never an easy place to go and Kilkenny will need to be at their best to come away with the points.

A win next week however would see Kilkenny right back in the hunt for promotion and league honours.

Kilkenny - Josh Evans, Ben Devlin, Charlie Buckley, David O’Connor, Jake Caldbeck, Jay Leahy, Jason Connolly, Garry Dunne, Steven Atkinson, Daniel O'Neill, Dan Dowling, Joe Manuel, Nehuen Rossetti, Geoff Power.

Replacements: Brian Howe, Liam McWey, Wesley Carter, Aaron Askins, Axel Montgomery.