Walsh Cup Final/Kilkenny 1-18 Wexford 1-12: Kilkenny retained the Walsh Cup on Saturday with an easy victory over Wexford at a sparsely attended Nowlan Park.

After the sides traded early scores, Kilkenny hit nine successive points to lead by 0-12 to 0-3 at the interval, five of their scores coming from James Fitzpatrick, while Aidan Fogarty and Michael Rice were also finding the target with ease.

But for Damien Fitzhenry, Kilkenny could have been further ahead.

The Wexford goalkeeper produced a fine display, his outstanding contribution an excellent double save to deny Fogarty.

Wexford rallied briefly in the second half when Rory Jacob's goal and three points without reply brought them to within four points of Kilkenny (0-17 to 1-10).

But Kilkenny refused to panic and Fogarty sealed the victory when he ghosted past the Wexford defence before kicking the ball into the net.

KILKENNY: PJ Ryan; J Dalton, JJ Delaney, S Maher; M Fennelly, J Tennyson (0-1), T Walsh; M Kavanagh (0-2), R Mullally; E Reid, D Lyng (0-1), M Rice (0-3); J Fitzpatrick (0-6, 0-4 frees), A Murphy, A Fogarty (1-5, 0-1 free). Subs: E Brennan for Murphy (half-time), J Ryall for Tennyson (49), S O'Neill for Fitzpatrick, P Cleere for Rice (both 54).

WEXFORD: D Fitzhenry; P Roche, M Travers, K Kavanagh; D Lyng, K Kenny, E Sheridan; S Nolan, T Mahon (0-1); P Carley (0-3), M Jacob, S Doyle (0-5, 0-2 frees); M Jordan (0-1), D O'Connor, R Jacob (1-2). Subs: T Hawkins for Roche (14), E Quigley for Sheridan (half-time).