Wesley College 2 – 1 Kilkenny College

A buoyant Kilkenny senior boys’ hockey team drew on their recent experience at the All-Ireland Hockey Championships this afternoon in nearly turning over finalists Wesley College.

Both sides started a little edgy before settling into a fine exhibition of hockey. Kilkenny staved off the early pressure and deftly broke down the Wesley corner routine. Their new-found confidence was telling as the game progressed and the break-through came from Max Neill who drove a reverse shot into the top corner from a Myles Brady half-volley cross. Half-time, advantage Kilkenny.

An experienced Wesley outfit piled on the pressure following the recess but Simon Young, James Feely and Evin McClure worked relentlessly in the middle of the field. Presently though, the home team glanced the ball past Ian O’Keeffe whose display was solid all day. Kilkenny responded by driving forward and again had their moments of dominance led by Aaron Empey and Andrew Arnopp instigating attacks up the right. However, their failure to convert was costly as Wesley netted once again before the final whistle sounded.

Kilkenny coach, Nasir munir Chaudhry, described the performance as ‘brilliant’ worthy of an ‘All-Ireland Final’.