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File photo of Kevin Kenny. ©INPHO/James Crombie
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GAA round-up: Kilkenny edge colleges semi as Galway u21s beat Mayo

Kevin Kenny’s seven-point haul proved the difference for Kilkenny CBS.

Kilkenny CBS 1-12

Mercy Colleges (Galway) 0-10

MAN OF THE match Kevin Kenny grabbed the decisive 50th minute goal in Banagher as Kilkenny CBS booked a place in next month’s All Ireland Colleges Senior A decider.

Underdogs Mercy Colleges examined Kilkenny CBS, but the favourites had sufficient class to advance. The opening period was all about Mercy Colleges’ brave defiance as they thwarted a highly regarded Kilkenny CBS.

Though Mercy Colleges had the aid of a strong wind in the first half they had to survive a few tricky moments early on before the excellent Jason Flynn flared to prominence.

Flynn drilled over four points before the break, while Kevin McHugo (2) and Eoin Morrissey also found the range as Mercy Colleges led 0-7 to 0-4 at the  interval. But Kilkenny CBS were much improved after the restart and were on level terms at 0-8 each by the three quarter mark.

Then Kenny scored a point which was quickly followed by an opportunistic goal and from then until the finish Kilkenny CBS were in control.

Late scores from Kenny and Luke Scanlan decorated a hard earned success for Kilkenny CBS, who will head for the All Ireland final heartened by the character and conviction they showed under pressure.

Scorers for Kilkenny CBS: Kevin Kenny (1-4), Niall Mullins (0-2), Paddy Cahill (0-2, 1f), Matthew McWey (0-1), Luke Scanlan (0-1), Paul Delahanty (0-1), Gary Kelly (0-1).

Scorers for Mercy Colleges: Jason Flynn (0-6, 3fs, 265s), Kevin McHugo (0-2), Eoin Morrissey (0-1), Shane Caufield (0-1, 65)

Kilkenny CBS: Darragh Holohan; Cathal McGrath, Evan Cody, Dylan Scott; Cory Cahill, Robbie Fitzpatrick, Paddy Deegan; Niall Mullins, Luke Scanlan; Gary Kelly, Kevin Kenny, Paul  Delahanty; Matthew McWey, Shane Cuddihy, Paddy Cahill. Subs: Gary Byran for C Cahill (58).

Mercy Colleges: Cathal Tuohy; Stephen Pierce, Conor Nevin, Luke Uniacke; Cathal Kelly, Shane Caufield, Peter English; Jason Flynn, Oisin Coyle; Cormac Dillon, Daniel Sweeney, Eoin Morrissey; Gearoid Loughnane, Martin O’Brien, Kevin McHugo.  Subs: Conor Gardiner for Loughnane (49).

Referee: James McGrath (Westmeath).

Galway 0-9

Mayo 0-7

SHANE WALSH DELIVERED another tidy display as Galway defeated Mayo in Saturday afternoon’s Connacht under 21 football semi-final at Tuam Stadium.

Former St Jarlath’s star Walsh is a highly rated young prospect and helped Galway win a tight encounter. The Tribesmen only led 0-4 to 0-3 at the break having played with the aid of the wind. But with Walsh outstanding after the restart Galway dealt with Mayo.

Cillian O’Connor shaved the woodwork as the ball eventually went over rather than under and Galway held out.

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