Walsh Cup Semi-finals/Kilkenny 2-12 Offaly 0-15:Holders Kilkenny had to work hard to break down Offaly in this Walsh Cup senior hurling semi-final at Birr yesterday. The winners will play Wexford in the final next weekend.
After the scores had been level on five occasions, a point from Cathal Parlon gave Offaly an interval lead of 0-6 to 0-5.
Kilkenny hit back with goals from Eddie Brennan in the 39th and 55th minutes which saw them go 2-10 to 0-9 clear.
Offaly grabbed four scores in a row after that but Kilkenny finished with a hat-trick of points to run out comfortable winners.
KILKENNY: PJ Ryan; C Hickey, B Hogan, N Hickey; J Ryall, J Dalton (0-1), T Walsh; D Lyng, M Rice; E Brennan (2-1), W O'Dwyer (0-1), M Murphy; P Cleere (0-1), M Comerford (0-4), A Fogarty (0-4). Sub: A Murphy for A Fogarty (54 mins). Blood sub: S O'Neill (0-1).
OFFALY: R Murray; C Hernon, P Cleary (0-1), D Franks; C Horan, K Brady, D Kenny; B Teehan (0-1), G Hanniffy (0-2); D Molloy (0-1), R Hanniffy (0-2), E Bevans; C Parlon (0-2), J Bergin (0-6), A Egan. Sub: K Kelly for Egan (55 mins).
Referee: J McGrath (Westmeath).
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