National Hurling League Division ne B/ Kilkenny 1-26 Laois 1-13: Kilkenny's hurling future is in the safe hands of the young players. Manager Brian Cody left Nowlan Park yesterday afternoon justifiably reassured that he has a sound foundation for his rebuilding plans following this barnstorming display.
Former All-Ireland-winning minor captains Richie Power and Michael Rice parachuted into the heart of Cody's future plans with inspiring roles that forced rueful Laois fans into heading for the exits at the three-quarter stage.
College student Power was in rampant form with a personal tally of 13 points, nine from frees.
Rice has had his share of injuries since he led Kilkenny to glory at minor level four years ago in Croke Park. His performance displayed his ability as a team player of exciting skills.
John Dalton and Stephen Maher distinguished themselves with impressive debuts in the corner back positions. Their consistently good clearances proved a source of frustration to the Laois forwards.
Playing with the advantage of the chilly breeze towards the city end in the first half, Laois matched their opponents puck for puck. Kilkenny, though, were always the more threatening side with five of their forwards, Aidan Fogarty being the exception, contributing to a 1-10 to 1-6 half-time lead.
Fogarty redressed that situation in the second half with two spectacular points.
Kilkenny's goal in the 27th minute by Eddie Brennan, following clever work by Austin Murphy and Aidan Fogarty, answered an early Laois goal from John Brophy that resulted from a rare lapse in the Kilkenny defence. It could have been worse for Laois had their goalkeeper Pat Mullaney not parried a James Fitzpatrick piledriver over the bar.
Cody was pleased with his side's display. "You look for something in every match and I must say I am very happy with what I got out of it today. Laois are a decent team and we hit a decent score with some great points. Rebuilding will be a gradual process but we have plenty of youth on our side," he said.
Laois manager Dinny Cahill is determined to persist with his 37- strong squad. He said: "We hope to learn from this match. We have a lot of hard work ahead of us but I'm satisfied that each member in the panel will be fighting hard for places ahead of the championship."
Cahill insisted that he could take positives from the day. Pat Mullaney made a number of great saves. James Young's freetaking was impressive and youthful players Cathal Healy, James Brophy and centre back James Hyland showed they're ready for this level.
KILKENNY: R O'Neill; J Dalton, JJ Delaney, S Maher; R Mullally, J Tennyson, T Walsh; M Kavanagh (0-1), P Cleere (0-1); E Brennan (1-0), A Murphy (0-1), M Rice (0-3); J Fitzpatrick (0-5), R Power (0-13, 9 frees), A Fogarty (0-2). Subs: M Fennelly for S Maher; D Lyng for Kavanagh; PJ Ryan for Mullally; S Cummins for Tennyson.
LAOIS: P Mullaney; P Mahon, P Cuddy, O Bergin; J Fitzpatrick, J Hyland, M McEvoy; J Young (0-8, 6 frees), J Phelan; C Healy (0-1), K O'Keeffe, P Russell (0-2); D Culleton, J Coogan (0-1), J Brophy (1-0). Subs: J Rowney (0-1) for Coogan; C Brophy for Phelan; S Lowry for McEvoy.
Referee: B Gavin (Offaly).
