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Kilkenny top silver reserves up

Kilkenny 2-17 Galway 1-18 (AET – 2-12 to 1-15 after normal time): KILKENNY PICKED up their first silverware of the new year …

Mon Feb 02 2009 - 00:00

Kilkenny 2-17 Galway 1-18 (AET – 2-12 to 1-15 after normal time):KILKENNY PICKED up their first silverware of the new year yesterday, but the All-Ireland champions were pushed all the way by Galway in Freshford.

The Tribesmen made a good start to their first campaign in Leinster. They brought Kilkenny to extra-time before going under, but will have a quick chance to gain revenge when the sides lock horns in the league next week.

A pair of points from Richie Power, in the 83rd and 85th minutes, tipped the scales in Kilkenny’s favour in front of a large crowd at Páirc Lactain. They had it all to do, as Galway used the breeze to carve out a 1-10 to 0-6 lead by half-time, Ger Farragher goaling when his fifth-minute free from 65 metres went all the way to net.

Galway stretched their lead to eight points through Cyril Donnellan early in the second half, but Kilkenny upped the ante when Power blasted a penalty to the net at the three-quarter stage. Michael Rice picked off a second goal within minutes, cutting Galway’s advantage to 1-13 to 2-7. Late points from Michael Grace saw them deny Galway the title right at the death, forcing the game into extra-time (1-15 to 2-12).

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The winners took the lead thanks to a Power free. They had the lead three times, but Galway refused to give in and kept hauling them back (2-15 to 1-18). There were just two points scored in the second period. Crucially, both were picked off by Power as the Cats edged their way to the title.

KILKENNY: D Herity; J Dalton, B Hogan, J Tyrrell; J Ryall, JTennyson, JJ Delaney; T Walsh (0-1), D Fogarty; M Grace (0-2), M Rice (1-0), R Power (1-11, 1-0 from penalty, nine frees, one 65), E Brennan (0-2), R Hogan (0-1), A Fogarty.

GALWAY: E Ward; S Kavanagh (0-1, free), D McClearn, F Moore; A Coen, G Mahon, A Cullinane; F Healy (0-2), R Murray (0-1); D Tierney (0-1), C Donnellan (0-2), A Callanan; G Farragher (1-11, 1-9 from frees, one 65), N Healy, J Gantley. Subs: C O’Donovan for Moore (inj, 13 mins), M Ryan for Coen (52 mins, yellow), K Hooban for Gantley (70 mins), P Killilea for Donnellan (80 mins), B Burke for Healy (84 mins).

Referee: B Kelly (Westmeath).