Kilkenny stroll past Antrim marred by key injuries

Kilkenny got the drive for five in the Leinster senior hurling championship off to a confident start at sun-kissed UPMC Nowlan Park when they dismissed the challenge of Antrim at their ease, but there might be headaches ahead for manager Derek Lyng.

Goalkeeper Eoin Murphy and attackers Eoin Cody and Adrian Mullen left the field injured and they will all have to be assessed during the next 24 hours as the Cats set their sights on what will be a big test away to Galway in Pearse Stadium next Sunday.

Mullen went down with what appeared to be a thigh injury before the end of the first quarter, and he was withdrawn immediately. Murphy shipped a knock to the face when fielding a high ball during this half also, and while he continued, he was replaced at half-time.

Cody appeared to damage an ankle and limped off in the 40th minute.

On the plus side for Lyng and his selectors, lively attacker Owen Wall made a massive impression when sprung from the bench. The speedy O'Loughlin Gaels man bagged two smashing goals and a pair of points as well after replacing Cody in the 39th minute to stake a strong claim for a starting place the next day, irrespective of who is available for selection.

TJ Reid, who missed the recent National League final defeat against Clare, didn’t take long to put his mark on the game. He helped wasteful Kilkenny - they shot 10 first half wides and 20 overall - to take a hold on affairs by shooting 1-3 during the opening 17 minutes.

In fact, Reid might have added a second goal, this time from a penalty, in the 21st minute. Antrim goalkeeper Ryan Elliott tripped Martin Keoghan after being put clear on goal by Reid, and he was black carded.

Replacement ’keeper Tiernan Smyth stood firm and with his first touch of the