Leinster SH Quarter-finals/ James Stephens 1-16 Naoimh Eoin 1-13: James Stephens of Kilkenny, the defending Leinster and All-Ireland club hurling champions, will consider themselves lucky to have got out of Dr Cullen Park with their titles intact after they were given a fright yesterday.
James Stephens led throughout until, in the 55th minute, Naomh Eoin's right full forward Brian "Red" Murphy crashed an unstoppable shot to the corner of the net.
Naomh Eoin now led 1-13 to 1-12 and the sensation of the hurling year seemed in prospect. But the champions held their composure and conjured up a well-taken levelling point from play by midfielder Paddy O'Brien.
Then the outstanding Brian McEvoy slotted his side back in front with a point from play and a brace of points by substitute Shane Egan ensured victory.
Kilkenny senior player Eoin Larkin had scored the James Stephens goal in the fifth minute, at which stage it looked as if this game would go along predicted lines. But Naomh Eoin had not read the script. They hurled with great confidence, picking off lovely scores. James Stephens led by a slender 1-8 to 0-9 at half-time. The champions were rocked by Murphy's goal but just had enough time to recover.
JAMES STEPHENS: F Cantwell; D Cody, M Phelan, D Grogan; J Tyrrell, P Larkin, P Barry; P O'Brien (0-2), B McEvoy (0-1); J Murray (0-2), E Larkin (1-6, 0-4 frees, 0-1 65); G Whelan (0-1); E McCormack (0-1), R Hayes (0-1), D McCormack. Subs: S Egan (0-2) for Whelan; M Ruth for D McCormack.
NAOMH EOIN: E Spruhan; A Keogh, P Keogh, K Nolan; D Roberts (0-4, all frees), S Kavanagh, M Murphy; K Nolan, J Waters (0-1); S Smithers (0-1), R Foley, K Foley (0-1); B "Red" Murphy (1-3, 0-1 free), D Murphy, B "Black" Murphy (0-3). Sub: C Jordan for Waters.
Referee: J Kelly (Wexford).
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