Kilkenny 6-26
Offaly 1-15

Henry Shefflin's expected return to the Kilkenny colours failed to materialise in last night's SH challenge against Offaly in Clara, which resulted in a facile victory for the All-Ireland champions.

The eight-time All-Ireland winner was due to make his comeback after a seven-month injury layoff and was named among the substitutes for the game which marked the official opening of the north Offaly club's new facilities, but failed to make an appearance. The Cats, however, were able to welcome back John Tennyson for his first game since their 2010 All-Ireland final loss to Tipperary.

Despite the absence of Shefflin, Michael Fennelly, Richie Power, Michael Rice and JJ Delaney from their line-up, the Cats were much too strong for the home side as a brace of first half goals from Thomas Breen and another from TJ Reid helped them to an unassailable 3-13 to 0-6 half-time lead.

It continued to be one-way traffic in the second half when further goals from substitutes Joe Brennan (two) and Walter Walsh completed the rout. Sean Ryan accounted for the Offaly goal in the 47th minute.

Kilkenny - E Murphy; T Walsh, K Joyce, R Doyle; J Tennyson (0-1), P Murphy, L Ryan; P Hogan (0-10, C Fogarty (0-1); E Larkin, TJ Reid (1-3), P Walsh (0-5); T Breen (2-4), R Hogan (0-1), A Fogarty (0-5). Subs: B Kennedy, J Brennan (2-0), W Walsh (1-1), G Aylward (0-3), J Lyng, M Walsh (0-1).

Offaly - J Dempsey; S Wynne, D Kenny, J Rigney; B Harding, P Cleary, D Morkan; K Brady, C Hernon; C Parlon, B Carroll (0-5), B Murphy; T Carroll, J Bergin (0-4), S Ryan (1-1). Subs: S Dooley (0-4), C Mahon (0-1), C McDonald, D Franks, D Molloy, S Coughlan, G Healion, E Murphy, C Egan.

Ref - B Gavin (Clara). Tweet

Most Read Stories