The main talking points as Kilkenny suffer first Leinster SHC defeat

Mikie Dwyer of Wexford loses his hurley in action against Kilkenny goalkeeper Eoin Murphy during the Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 5 match at Chadwicks Wexford Park. Pic: Sportsfileplaceholder image
Mikie Dwyer of Wexford loses his hurley in action against Kilkenny goalkeeper Eoin Murphy during the Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Round 5 match at Chadwicks Wexford Park. Pic: Sportsfile

Wexford 2-19 Kilkenny 1-15

MAIN MAN

Lee Chin (Wexford)

Wexford’s main marksman was in inspired form as his 1-13 tally helped his team claim a third win in the Leinster round-robin. From a Kilkenny point of view there was good displays from the likes of TJ Reid and Cian Kenny while of the new faces on show, Thomastown’s Luke Connellan was one of the big positives as he scored two points from play.

TURNING POINT

Despite trailing at the half-time interval, Kilkenny had a big wind at their backs for the second period so all was not lost however Rory O’Connor’s goal within four minutes of the resumption put a halt to any thought of a comeback from Derek Lyng’s men before a second goal later in the half fully put the game to bed.

TALKING POINT

With Kilkenny already assured of qualification, the Cats changed two thirds of their starting selection from last week’s win over Dublin and it showed in a very patchy display even if it was very understandable given the circumstances.

Referee Watch

While there was no real consequence or jeopardy to the game it was a contest that never really found it’s flow with Dublin official Sean Stack blowing for a lot of frees throughout the 70 minutes.

WHAT NOW?

Wexford’s season is at an end even at this early stage of the year while Kilkenny now look ahead to a Leinster Final meeting with with Galway in Croke Park as they look to capture another provincial crown.

Attendance

4623

Register
Follow us
© 2026 Formpress Publishing LTD. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice