Division 1A Hurling Round Up: Week 1

With the first week of the Allianz Hurling League now concluded, let’s take a look at the results from around the country.

Wexford 0-12 – Cork 2-21

A lacklustre Wexford side were trounced by 15 points against a Cork side who were playing their first competitive game since last year’s All-Ireland final.

A wet and windy night in Chadwick’s Wexford Park did not stop the Cork juggernaut as Paraic Power and Declan Dalton contributed 2-9 of their teams score. Dalton was dismissed in the in the 54th minute alongside Wexford man Rory O’Connor for an off the ball altercation.

The Rebels controlled this game from the outset, leading by 10 points to two as the clocked ticked towards the half hour mark. A long ball into the Cork full-forward line fell to the path of Power who made no mistake in powering the sliothar into Mark Fanning’s net. The score at half time, Wexford 0-5 to Cork’s 1-12

Wexford would continue to struggle in the second half, Pat Ryan’s side were awarded a penalty which Dalton duly dispatched, while Conor Foley was shown a black card for the pull-down.

Wexford continued to battle hard, with Cian Byrne contributing seven points. Cork’s statement of intent may be a sign of things to come in the near future, as this one finished Wexford 0-12 – Cork 2-21

Clare 0-21 – Kilkenny 0-23

The All-Ireland champions hosted the Cat’s in Cusack Park as they succumbed to a two point defeat to Derek Lyng’s men.

Just five players who started last year’s All-Ireland final were in the starting 15 today for the Banner. David Reidy started strong in Ennis, as his early string of scores assisted Clare in racing into a six point lead in the early stages.

Billy Drennan spurred his side on, hitting four fine scores in a first half which saw David McInerney subbed off with what looked like a hamstring injury. The Cat’s clawed their way back into the game just before half time, Clare 0-12 – Kilkenny 0-10 at the break.

As the rain poured, the Cat’s soared, getting the first point of the second half and reducing the deficit to one. The sides exchanged scores throughout the half, drawing level on six occasions. Talisman Eoin Cody and Billy Drennan inspired their team to victory. Clare hit four in two minutes, tying the game again, this one was going down to the wire.

Two points from Keoghan and a Drennan free, nodded Kilkenny ahead as this match approached the final stages, which ultimately, secured the two points for Lyng’s side. Final score, Clare 0-21 – Kilkenny 0-23.

Galway 2-16 – Tipperary 3-25

The week concluded with Tipperary’s visit to Pearse Stadium to face a lethargic Galway side in dull conditions.

Darragh McCarthy’s penalty in the 10th minute proved to be the catalyst to kickstart the Tipp on slaught in this one. A youthful Galway side was named by Micheal Donoghue, in his first game in charge since returning to the helm in Galway, but Liam Cahill’s side, roared to victory Dylan Walsh, Gearoid O’Connor and the aforementioned McCarthy scoring 3-11 between them.

Tipperary were far more clinical in the first half, as Galway’s ill-discipline contributed to their poor performance in Salthill. Score at half-time, Galway 0-9 to Tipp’s 1-13.

The second half continued much like the first as Gearoid O’Connor raised the green flag ten minutes in, giving his side an 11 point lead, wrapping the game up for the Premier.

John Fleming and Declan McLoughlin hit two goals in the closing stages for the home side, adding some respectability to the scoreline. Liam Cahill will be hoping this is a sign of things to come for his side following a disappointing 2024. Final score Galway 2-16 – Tipperary 3-25.