Kilkenny set new scoring record under Cody with landslide Leinster hurling win over Offaly

Kilkenny advance to face Galway at the semi-final stage while Offaly head to the qualifiers.

Mark Kelly gets past Niall Wynne and Barry Harding to score his side's third goal Debutant Mark Kelly scored two goals for Kilkenny. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

Kilkenny 5-32
Offaly 1-18

KILKENNY CRUSHED OFFALY by 26 points to issue a statement of intent in the 2014 championship opener in Nowlan Park tonight.

The Cats set a new scoring record in the process in a championship game under Brian Cody, bettering the previous best off 6-28 which was set back in 2005 against Offaly.

Kilkenny were in awesome form in this Leinster quarter-final tie at Nowlan Park and had already booked their berth in a semi-final against Galway by half-time when they led 2-22 to 0-6.

Eoin Larkin and championship debutant Mark Kelly both bagged a brace of goals while Colin Fennelly also hit the net as Kilkenny put on a stylish display for the first GAA game that broadcast live by Sky Sports.

There was no element of a contest as Kilkenny were far too strong for Offaly. The Faithful were grateful to goalkeeper James Dempsey for pulling off some superb saves and attacker Brian Carroll as he chalked up 1-10 in an outstanding one-man show in attack.

But it was a chastening experience for Offaly and Brian Whelehan, in charge as manager on championship day for the first time after a legendary playing career. They must now try to pick themselves back up for the qualifiers.

A dejected Brian Carroll Brian Carroll hit 1-10 today for Offaly. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Scorers for Kilkenny: Eoin Larkin 2-4, Colin Fennelly 1-6, TJ Reid 0-6, Mark Kelly 2-0, Walter Walsh 0-5, Aidan Fogarty 0-3, Lester Ryan, Michael Fennelly 0-2 each, Paul Murphy 0-1.

Scorers for Offaly: Brian Carroll 1-10, Sean Ryan, Daniel Currams, Shane Dooley, Rory Hanniffy, Cathal Parlon, Conor Mahon, Joe Bergin, Stephen Quirke 0-1 each.

Kilkenny

1. Eoin Murphy (Glenmore)
2. Paul Murphy (Danesfort)
3. JJ Delaney (Fenians)
4. Brian Kennedy (St. Lachtain’s)
5. Padraig Walsh (Tullaroan)
6. Jackie Tyrell (James Stephens)
7. Cillian Buckley (Dicksboro)
8. Lester Ryan (Clara) (Captain)
9. Richie Hogan (Danesfort)
10. Walter Walsh (Tullogher-Rosbercon)
11. Michael Fennelly (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
12. TJ Reid (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
13. Colin Fennelly (Ballyhale Shamrocks)
14. Mark Kelly (O’Loughlin Gaels)
15. Eoin Larkin (James Stephens)

TJ Reid picks up an injury during the game TJ Reid got injured for Kilkenny during the second-half today. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

Offaly

1. James Dempsey (Kinnitty)
2. Niall Wynne (St Rynagh’s)
3. Rory Hanniffy (Birr)
4. James Rigney (Kinnitty)
5. Barry Harding (Birr)
6. Derek Morkan (Shinrone)
7. Cathal Parlon (Coolderry)
8. Conor Mahon (Kilcormac-Killoughey)
9. Sean Ryan (Birr)
10. Joe Bergin (Seir Kieran)
11. Dan Currams (Kilcormac-Killoughey)
12. Peter Geraghty (Kilcormac-Killoughey)
13. Kevin Connolly (Coolderry)
14. Shane Dooley (Tullamore)
15. Brian Carroll (Coolderry)

Rachel Wyse, Ollie Canning, Brian Carney and Peter Canavan Sky Sports presenters and analysts at the match. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO