The Main Talking Points as Kilkenny see off Clare in league opener

MAIN MAN

Martin Keoghan (Kilkenny)

The Tullaroan attacker is fast becoming one of the more underrated players in the Kilkenny lineup and he was superb once again on Sunday as he scored five points from play. As well as Keoghan, there was also notable displays from Mikey Carey, Peter McDonald and Eoin Cody as well as subs Luke Hogan, Luke Connellan and Gearoid Dunne.

TURNING POINT

After such a slow beginning to the game that saw the Cats concede the first four points and trail 0-9 to 0-2 by the 16th minute, the way the visitors got to grips with Clare in the second quarter was hugely positive and going into the break only two points down felt like a big moment in helping them swing the momentum in their direction.

Highlight

All five of Mossy Keoghan’s points were standout but his incredible individual effort in the 67th minute to level up the game where he fought off a number of Clare defenders before shooting over from halfway was worth the admission fee alone for Kilkenny followers.

TALKING POINT

Kilkenny will have been delighted to get two points on the board and after losing to the same opposition on three occasions in 2024, it was a nice box to tick at an early stage in the year as it sets them up nicely for games with Galway and Wexford after both teams suffered heavy opening round losses to Tipperary and Cork over the weekend.

WHAT NOW?

Kilkenny will now turn their attention to a home fixture against Galway on Sunday in UPMC Nowlan Park at 1.45pm while Clare will enjoy a bye week before returning to action on Saturday February, 8 when they also face Galway in Pearse Stadium, Salthill.