All Ireland champions Kilkenny had too much class for Galway at Pearse Stadium on Sunday afternoon as they saw off the hosts by nine points in the end - 2-20 to 1-14 to claim their 18th Walsh Cup.

The Cats burst from the traps with a goal from Richie Hogan within the first two minutes and with just 15 gone Galway found themselves trailing by eight - 1-7 to 0-2.

Richie Power proved to be a handful for the Tribes, the 'Shock attacker lining out at centre forward, although operating closer to goal, finished with a personal tally of eleven points.

Galway began to find a rhythm before the break and on 30 minutes found the net with a well taken goal from James Regan after good work from Joe Canning. However, a brace of points from Power put them six to the good at half time - 1-13 to 1-7.

Galway got the best of starts after half time, a couple of points from Canning and one from Conor Cooney had them right back in contention as they reduced the gap to three.

However, a goal from Eoin Larkin put the result beyond doubt as Kilkenny ran out convincing winners.

Kilkenny: D. Herity; N. Hickey, J.J. Delaney, P. Murphy; P. Hogan (0-1, 1f), B. Hogan, C. Fogarty; L. Ryan, M. Rice; J. Mulhall (0-2), R. Power (0-11, 8f, 1'65), E. Larkin (1-1); C. Fennelly (0-2), R. Hogan (1-3), A. Fogarty. Subs: M. Fennelly for M. Rice, J Tyrrell for P. Murphy, T Walsh for L. Ryan, K Buckley for C. Fennelly, W Phelan for N. Hickey.

Galway: J. Skehill; D. Connolly, F. Moore, K. Hynes; B. Flaherty, T. Og Regan, P. Huban; J. Coen, D. Burke (0-2); E. Ryan, I. Tannian, J. Canning (0-9, 8f); D. Hayes, C. Cooney (0-1), J. Regan (1-1). Subs: M. Lydon for P. Huban, N Donohue for B. Flaherty, B Burke (0-1) for D. Hayes, J Cooney for J. Coen, T Haran for E. Ryan.

Ref - J. Mc Grath (Westmeath) Tweet

Most Read Stories