It was a case of third time lucky for Kilkenny's hurlers at Croke Park today, as they stormed to 5-15 to 1-14 victory over Offaly in the All-Ireland final. Two goals from Henry Shefflin, and one apiece from DJ Carey, Charlie Carter and Eddie Brennan proved the difference between the sides in an absorbing contest, in front of almost 60,000 at GAA Headquarters.
Kilkenny, playing in their third final in a row were anxious there would no repeat this time and set about their business from the throw-in. The Cats, beaten by their fellow Leinstermen in the 1998 final, got off to a great start with goals from Shefflin and Carey as they raced into early 8 point lead inside the first 10 minutes. There was no recovery from that disastrous start for the Faithful, who were also convincingly beaten by today's opponents in the Leinster final.
There were sparkling performances throughout the side, but most notably in attack, where the likes of Carter, Shefflin and Carey were in inspired form. Elsewhere, there were match-winning performances from Andy Comerford, while Johnny Pilkington, scorer of a goal and a point, and eight point John Dooley were best for Offaly.
Filed by Shane Murray
