Squad depth a huge positive for Kilkenny Under 20 manager Mark Dowling

In a nice bit of symmetry Kilkenny Under 20 Manager Mark Dowling started his second year in charge with victory against the team that brought an end to his campaign in year 1.

Last year’s Leinster Semi-Final is still a big disappointment for the Dicksboro man but with a huge number of players still underage, it was a nice way to start the 2024 Leinster Championship.

“I’m delighted to get the win and it’s great to get a big score up too but I’m also disappointed with the two goals we conceded and I’ve said that to the lads in the dressing room.

“Winning was the main target and when our forwards are moving well they are hard to handle but it’s still only the first match of the year and we’ll quickly move on from it.

“We won’t read too much into the result as we have to get ready for Laois straight away next Saturday”.

While it’s still early days with regards to what may lie in wait in teh weeks to come, Dowling is happy with the application of the players thus far.

“I thought the lads were fantastic and in many ways it was a good way to win as we still have elements we can improve on.

“The energy, hunger and attitude was great from them and they’ve put in a huge amount of work over the last few months and they are fantastic to work with”, Dowling added.

The Kilkenny bench scored five points from play and in many ways that impact best sums up a squad where even making the matchday panel is a challenge.

“We’ve only 24 players in the squad available for a game and I wish it was 26 like senior or even 28 or 30 as it’s about development and it’s very hard to tell lads that they aren’t togging out.

“It’s extremely hard to pick 24 players out of our 36 man panel and it means leaving out quality players.

“The competition is healthy and that’s what you want”.