What we learned as Kilkenny made winning league start against Offaly
Kilkenny 0-20 Offaly 0-16
Main Man
Jordan Molloy (Kilkenny)
The O’Loughlin Gaels man had an impressive afternoon from midfield as he knocked over three points from play on a difficult day for flowing hurling. Others to stand out were Mossy Keoghan and Eoin Cody while Mikey Carey had a decent outing at full back.
Highlight
The early stages of the league are all about trying out new players and experimenting and Derek Lyng made full use of this with David Barcoe, Rory Garrett, Liam Moore and Cathal Beirne all making their first start at this level. Barcoe’s inclusion is the most noteworthy of all with the 18 year-old still in school at St Kieran’s College.
Lowlight
The bad weather and tough underfoot conditions made things very difficult for the players and resulted in a mainly scrappy contest over the course of the 70 minutes of play. Not much of a surprise either given the calendar is still only in January.
Turning Point
Kilkenny always seemed to be in a degree of control but when Offaly briefly threatened when getting within a point inside the final quarter, the Cats found another gear to really kick for home.
Talking Point
While it was a poor contest quality wise, the inclusion of Aidan Tallis in goal and Mikey Carey and Darragh Corcoran at the heart of the defence, there was still clues as to how Kilkenny may approach the league campaign.
Attendance
3,000 approx
What's Next
Kilkenny now enjoy a bye week before they then face Limerick away in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday February 8 while Offaly host All-Ireland champions Tipperary in Tullamore next weekend.