The main talking points as Thomastown win first Kilkenny SHC title in 78 years

Thomastown’s Zach Bay Hammond puts in a big hit on O’Loughlin Gaels forward Conor Heary during Sunday’s senior hurling county final. Picture: Sportsfile

placeholder image — Thomastown’s Zach Bay Hammond puts in a big hit on O’Loughlin Gaels forward Conor Heary during Sunday’s senior hurling county final. Picture: Sportsfile

Thomastown 0-18 O'Loughlin Gaels 0-7

Main Man

John Donnelly (Thomastown)

The Kilkenny player put in one of the great county final displays as he scored four points from play in the opening half of a game that was played in incredibly difficult conditions. Donnelly’s workrate and skill all over the field was the blueprint for Thomastown but he was far from alone in bringing the fight to O’Loughlin Gaels. From Zach Bay Hammond and Eddie Donnelly in defence to Jonjo Farrell and Peter McDonald in midfield and the Donnelly brothers Robbie and Stephen in attack, it was a dream day for Noel Doherty’s outfit.

TALKING POINT

Coming into the game, there was a lot of talk of what O’Loughlin Gaels could maybe achieve at Leinster and All-Ireland level so coming into the game as underdogs certainly suited Thomastown and they brought all that drive and intensity to the game as they quite incredibly held the former champions to just seven points in over 60 minutes of hurling.

Turning Point

None. It was a Thomastown masterclass as they controlled the game from David Hughes’s first whistle to the end as they led from start to finish.

HIGHLIGHT

The sight of Thomastown running riot on a consistent basis against any team they came into opposition at intermediate level last year was a good indication that this team would be a major handful when they made the step up to the senior grade and so it has proved and more. While it has been done before, it cannot be discounted what an incredible achievement it is to win successive intermediate and senior titles in a county as competitive as Kilkenny.

Ref Watch

Barrow Rangers match official David Hughes let the game flow throughout as he played his part in contributing to a thrilling contest.

What’s Next

A shellshocked O’Loughlin Gaels must go away and lick their wounds ahead of next year but for Thomastown, another provincial odyssey awaits as they travel to take on the Westmeath champions in TEG Cusack Park in Mullingar on Sunday, November 17 in the opening round of the Leinster Championship.

Attendance

9,465