Kilkenny secured their place in the semi-finals of the Allianz Hurling League against Clare with a 0-19 to 0-13 victory over Wexford at Nowlan Park this afternoon. Kilkenny led 0-07 to 0-06 at half-time but scored five points without reply early in the second half to move to 0-12 to 0-06 ahead by the 44th minute. Barry Goff and Paul Codd kept Wexford in touch but Kilkenny finished strongly to score five points without reply.
Also in Division 1B, Cork recorded a comfortable 3-26 to 0-04 win over Derry at Pairc Ui Chaoimh this afternoon but failed to advance to the semi-finals. Joe Deane scored four points while Derry’s first score came in the 30th minute with a free from Michael Collins to trail 0-12 to 0-01 at half time. Cork eased to victory with three goals from corner-forward Brian O’Keefe in the second half. Adding to Cork’s scoring was Niall Ronan with six points, Owen Fitzgerald also with six points and Mick O’Connell scoring three points.
In Division 1A, Offaly scored a resounding 2-22 to 0-8 victory over Dublin in Birr this afternoon. Offaly dominated throughout the game scoring their two goals in the first half. Rory Hanniffy scored the first goal in the eight minute and another from Johnny Dooley in the 25th added to Offaly’s 2-12 to 0-3 lead at half-time. Dublin’s downer continued when immediately after the break Dublin’s Darren Benam was sent off after a challenge on Simon Whelahan. Meanwhile Offaly dominated so much that they were able to take off star players such as Johnny Pilkington and John Troy.
Also in Division 1A Ciaran Carey made a surprise made a surprise return after a 12-month absence for Limerick in Kilmallock as they beat Meath 1-18 to 1-16.
In Division two, the top teams Kerry and Wicklow were beaten today. Kerry were beaten 1-07 to 2-16 by Westmeath and Kildare beat Wicklow 1-15 to 0-17. In Division three, Fermanagh stay on top after a 1-28 to 1-06 victory over Cavan while Donegal had a convincing 5-13 to 2-10 win over Longford.
