Kilkenny Hurling Championships Heat Up as Knockout Rounds Begin

The Kilkenny club hurling championships are now in the knockout stages, with teams competing for quarter-final spots across senior, intermediate, and junior levels. The competition has showcased intense matches, particularly in the St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship, where Dicksboro and Clara successfully avoided relegation.

In a thrilling encounter at Canon Kearns Park, Clara triumphed over Lisdowney, securing a hard-fought victory with a score of 2-27 to 3-21 after extra time. Meanwhile, Dicksboro faced Graigue Ballycallan at Párirc Lachtain, where they prevailed with a score of 2-15 to 1-14, ensuring their top-tier status for the upcoming 2026 season. This result leaves Graigue Ballycallan and Lisdowney to contend with relegation battles in the coming weeks.

Standout Performances in Senior and Intermediate Levels

In the first round of the championship, the Shamrocks displayed their dominance against Erin’s Own, finishing decisively with a score of 1-32 to 2-8. Adam Croke delivered an impressive performance for Mooncoin, contributing a hat-trick in their comprehensive victory of 6-23 to 1-15 over southern rivals Rower Inistioge.

The intermediate division also saw significant action, with the Blacks & Whites managing to retain their status for a fourth consecutive year. They secured a victory against their opponents with a score of 0-17 to 1-11. The Fenians are set to compete against the loser of the upcoming match between St Lachtains and St Martin’s, scheduled for Sunday at 12:00.

In addition to the championship matches, the Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling League and Shield Finals took place at UPMC Nowlan Park. In the shield final, Dunnamaggin claimed victory over Young Irelands with a score of 0-17 to 1-9. The league final saw James Stephens maintain their unbeaten streak, defeating Danesfort with a score of 1-23 to 0-17, potentially signaling their championship ambitions.

Junior Hurling League Results

In the JJ Kavanagh Junior Hurling League, Barrow Rangers showcased their strength against Cloneen, winning decisively with a score of 3-18 to 0-16.

As the Kilkenny hurling scene continues to unfold, fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming fixtures that will determine which teams advance to the quarter-finals and fight for the title. The competitive spirit and talent displayed so far set the stage for an exciting conclusion to this year’s championships.