Kilkenny Kennedy Cup 2025

 

Monday

 

Kilkenny Bye ( Group of 3)

 

 

Tuesday

 

Kilkenny 0

 

NERL 0

 

Kilkenny and their opponents played out a hard-fought 0-0 draw in a match defined by strong defensive performances and missed opportunities.

The first half was dominated by Kilkenny’s defence and goalkeeper, who were outstanding throughout. The goalkeeper made several key saves, while the defenders worked tirelessly to block shots and clear dangerous balls. Their collective effort kept Kilkenny in the game despite some early pressure from the opposition. Kilkenny’s backline showed great discipline, cutting off attacking runs and winning crucial tackles, which prevented the opponents from finding a breakthrough.

As the match progressed into the second half, Kilkenny grew more confident going forward and began creating chances of their own. The midfield and forwards linked up well, carving out several promising opportunities. However, they struggled to convert these chances into goals, often being denied by the opposing goalkeeper and some last-ditch defending.

Despite their growing dominance in the latter stages, Kilkenny couldn’t break the deadlock. Both teams battled hard until the final whistle, but neither could find the decisive goal.

While the draw might feel like two points dropped for Kilkenny, their solid defensive display and the chances created in the second half show promise for future matches.

 

 

 

Kilkenny 2

 

West Cork 5

 

Kilkenny suffered a 5-2 defeat but showed great fight and character in the second half, especially after falling four goals behind against the run of play in the first half.

The opening half  was difficult for Kilkenny as their opponents dominated possession and took full advantage, scoring four times including a hat trick from the striker.Kilkenny struggled to match the pace and intensity early on, conceding goals that seemed against the flow of the game. Despite creating chances, Kilkenny were caught out defensively and found themselves trailing heavily at halftime.

However, the second half saw a much-improved Kilkenny performance. They came out with renewed energy and urgency, creating several good scoring opportunities. The goals from Aedan Somner and Jamie Kavanagh highlighted Kilkenny’s determination to fight back and reduce the deficit. Both goals were well taken and showed the attacking threat Kilkenny can pose when they click.

Although Kilkenny couldn’t close the gap further, their second-half display was encouraging. The team showed resilience and attacking intent after a tough first half. With that kind of spirit and performance, positives  can be taken moving forward despite the heavy loss

 

 

 

Wednesday

Shield Quarter Final

 

Kilkenny 4

 

Mayo 1

 

Mayo and Kilkenny played out a tightly contested match that was level at the break, but a clinical second-half performance saw Kilkenny emerge  winners.

The first half was an evenly matched affair, with both sides sharing possession and opportunities. Mayo struck first with a well-taken goal midway through the half from Jamie Loughney  but Kilkenny responded strongly, leveling the score before halftime when Ben Fitzgerald opened his account for the game. Both teams headed into the break on equal terms, reflecting the balance in play.

The second half, however, told a different story. Kilkenny came out with renewed intensity and quickly asserted their dominance. Aedan Somner proved to be the difference-maker, netting two crucial goals that gave his side a commanding lead. His sharp finishing and ability to find space in the Mayo defense turned the tide firmly in Kilkenny's favour.

As Mayo pushed forward in search of a way back into the game, gaps began to appear at the back. Kilkenny capitalized on this late in the half, with Ben Fitzgerald adding a fourth goal to seal the result and cap a superb second-half performance.

Despite Mayo's spirited first half, Kilkenny's composure and attacking quality in the second period ensured they took all the spoils in an entertaining clash.

 

Thursday

Shield Semi Final

Kilkenny 1

Midlands 0

In a closely contested encounter, Kilkenny edged out Midlands with a narrow 1-0 victory, thanks to a decisive goal from MJ Carroll  just before the break.

 

Midlands started with energy but struggled to break down Kilkenny’s defense. Kilkenny, on the other hand, showed clinical intent, with Carroll’s goal proving to be the difference. The Midlands goalkeeper was called into action twice in the first half, producing fine saves to keep his team in the game.

In the second half, both sides had opportunities, but clear-cut chances were limited. Midlands pressed for an equalizer, creating a couple of half-chances, but Kilkenny’s backline remained solid under pressure. Despite a spirited effort from Midlands, the final whistle confirmed a hard-fought win for Kilkenny, who made the most of their key moment in the match.

The result reflects Kilkenny’s efficiency and ability to take their chances, while Midlands will feel unlucky not to have taken something from the game after a committed performance. The goal  ultimately sealed the result, earning Kilkenny a valuable victory.

 

Friday

Shield Final

Kilkenny 0

Dundalk 2

 

It wasn't to be for Kilenny as the woodwork and some great goalkeeping was the difference between these two Leinster sides in the final on Friday.

 

Kilkenny will feel hard done by after a battling performance saw them fall 2-0 to Dundalk in a game where the scoreline didn’t reflect their efforts.

 Dundalk struck twice in the first half, capitalising on two quick chances to build a lead against the run of play.

Despite the early setback, Kilkenny responded with energy and intent. They came agonisingly close to pulling one back before the break  a thunderous effort rattled the woodwork, and a sharp save from the Dundalk goalkeeper denied what looked like a certain goal.

The second half saw Kilkenny dominate large spells of possession. They created two excellent opportunities, showing determination and attacking purpose, but luck was not on their side as the final touch just eluded them. Dundalk defended deep and in numbers, doing just enough to keep Kilkenny out in the closing stages.

Though the result didn't go their way, Kilkenny can take real positives from a strong display filled with heart, skill, and resilience. On another day, with a little more fortune, the outcome could have been very different. It was a performance full of promise from a Kilkenny side that refused to go down without a fight.

 

After the final we got the thoughts of Kilkenny manager Shay Lynch.

He believes the length of the tournament did not help his side as they became tired and injuries became more prevalent. “ I think the five days are always difficult.”

 

Shay then details how well this team had done over the last three years and this just was a step too far. “It had been a culmination of three years' work , winning four tournaments along the way. These guys have been a credit and a pleasure to work with.”

 

Kilkenny Squad: Daithí Egan Evergreen Fc, Donie Cahill Freebooters AFC, Mark Byrne Bridge Utd, Sam Norton Evergreen Fc, Oisin Doyle Bridge Utd, Danny O’ Dwyer Spa Utd,Jamie Kavanagh Freeboothers AFC,MJ Carroll Bridge Utd, Cruz Chong Spa Utd, Sam Antonessa Freebooters AFC, Aedan Somner Spa Utd, Cierán Tracy Freebooters AFC,Harry Trehy, Freebooters AFC,Dara Kavangh Evergreen Fc , Michael Ormond Evergreen Fc, Micheál Fitzgerald Bridge Utd, Daniel O’ Connell Freebooters AFC, Ben Fitzgerald East End Utd, Jamie Fahey Freebooters AFC, Micheál Beagen Freebooters AFC.

Manager Shay Lynch

Coaches: Philp Trehy, Richard Carroll, Bill Trehy, Tom Doyle.

Physion James Kelly.