Antrim created the first major shock of 2008 as they knocked All-Ireland champions Kilkenny out of the Walsh Cup with a deserved quarter-final win at Freshford. Antrim 2-15 Kilkenny 1-17 The Cats lined out with nine of last year's Liam McCarthy Cup winning side but were well and truly rattled by the Glensmen's first half efforts with Liam Watson grabbing the first goal of the game on nine minutes. That goal gave Antrim the lead and although Kilkenny kept the deficit under control in the first quarter with some scores from Eddie Brennan and Richie Power, Antrim soon started to make the most of the strong breeze that was at their backs. Goalkeeper Ryan McGarry signalled the way as his free from way out the field flew between the Kilkenny posts and further efforts from Kevin Elliott and Watson propelled the visitors into a double score lead, 1-5 to 0-4. Karl McKeegan then blasted goal number two for the Saffrons as they led by 2-8 to 0-7 in front of a stunned home support. Three successive Kilkenny points hinted at resurgence as James Ryall and Power (2) were on target and when Eoin McCormack goaled ten minutes into the half, most present expected Antrim to wilt. But the Ulster champions kept pointing and despite last gasp scores from Power and the impressive PJ Delaney, Antrim would not be caught. Antrim - R McGarry 0-1; A Graffin, N McGarry, S Delargy; C Herron, M McCambridge, K Elliott 0-1; K McKeegan 1-1, D Hamill; N McManus 0-1, L Watson 1-8, P McGill; S McCrory 0-1, C Donnelly, S McNaughton 0-1. Subs - M Kettle for N McGarry, K Stewart 0-1 for Donnelly, C Duffin for McNaughton. Kilkenny - PJ Ryan; S Cummins, B Hogan, J Tyrell; J Dalton, PJ Delaney 0-1, J Ryall 0-1; R Mullally 0-1, W Dwyer; P Cleere, R Power 0-9, A Fogarty 0-2; E McCormack 1-0, E Brennan 0-2, R Hogan 0-1. Subs - E McGrath for Cleere, D Fogarty for Dwyer. Ref - T Carroll (Offaly) Tweet

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