Kilkenny show no signs of losing their drive

Kilkenny 3-22 Cork 0-19:A storming first-half performance saw Kilkenny claim a spot in next month's All-Ireland hurling final in some style as they stepped up their bid to claim a five-in-a-row of Liam MacCarthy Cups.

Aidan Fogarty pointed inside 10 seconds for the champions and after the two sides blew off some steam as clashes broke out across the pitch, Kilkenny started to up the pace.

TJ Reid had a goal-bound shot well saved by Donal Og Cusack after 11 minutes but Kilkenny’s hunger for goals was rewarded six minutes later when Eddie Brennan fired home after an excellent pass from Henry Shefflin.

Kilkenny were winning all the key battles with Michael Fennelly and Cha Fitzpatrick in complete control of midfield, while Richie Power gave a stunning display of catching.

Their second goal came after Cusack failed to deal with a dropping ball, although Power certainly didn’t make it easy for him as he made to challenge before pulling away.

Quick as a light Fogarty pounced on the loose ball to fire home from a tight angle and he added a point soon after to make it 2-5 to 0-3 in their favour.

Shefflin had been the fulcrum of Kilkenny’s domination up front, but the centre forward went off injured after landing awkwardly on his left knee after 25 minutes, although he was able to walk to the sideline unaided.

There was to be no let-up as his replacement, Martin Comerford, scored within 30 seconds of coming on as they continued to score at will, with Power driving over a free from 80 yards out to five Kilkenny a 13-point lead (2-12 to 0-5) at half-time.

Four straight points after the break showed Kilkenny’s hunger for scores was intact and Cork’s day was summed up when Pat Horgan’s penalty was deflected over for a point by PJ Ryan.

Kilkenny did take the foot off the gas, while Cork, to their credit, never stopped working hard for space and opportunities.

So much so that they edged the second half on the scoreboard, even if they found it impossible to get behind the Kilkenny defence.

Power was rewarded for a brilliant display with his side’s third goal, catching and turning in a flash before drilling home past Cusack with eight minutes remaining.