Jamie Ryan, O’Loughlin Gaels, and Robbie Donnelly, Thomastown, in Kilkenny SHC Final action at UPMC Nowlan Park. Photo by Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile
Kilkenny SHC Final
Thomastown 0-18 O'Loughlin Gaels 0-7
These are glorious times for Thomastown.
A year ago Thomastown triumphed at Intermediate level in Kilkenny, subsequently adding Leinster and All-Ireland titles.
Prompted by the excellent John Donnelly, who mined four points from play, Thomastown defeated favourites O'Loughlin Gaels at UPMC Nowlan Park.
A controlled first half display from Thomastown was reflected by a 0-9 to 0-4 interval scoreline.
Donnelly was in brilliant form, while Stephen Donnelly and the experienced Jonjo Farrell were others to impress for the victors.
Robbie Donnelly ended the contest with eight points, including two from play, as Thomastown dominated after the restart.
Scorers for Thomastown: Robbie Donnelly 0-8 (6fs), John Donnelly 0-4, Jonjo Farrell, Stephen Donnelly 0-2 each, Rory Connellan, Peter McDonald 0-1 each.
Scorers for O'Loughlin Gaels: Mark Bergin 0-3 (1f), Owen Wall 0-2, Conor Heary, Jamie Ryan 0-1 each
Thomastown: Paul Barron; Jay Burke, Peter Connellan, Ned Kirwan; Zach Bay Hammond, Eddie Donnelly, Brian Staunton; Peter McDonald, Jonjo Farrell ; Luke Connellan, John Donnelly, Robbie Donnelly; Stephen Donnelly , Colm Treacy, Rory Connellan.
Subs: Thomas O'Hanrahan for Treacy (54), David Prendergast for P Connellan (60), Jack Holden for S Donnelly (60+4).
O'Loughlin Gaels: Stephen Murphy; Tony Forristal, Huw Lawlor, Mikey Butler; David Fogarty, Paddy Deegan, Jordan Molloy; Jamie Ryan, Jack Nolan; Fionan Mackessy, Mark Bergin, Conor Kelly; Sean Bolger; Owen Wall, Conor Heary.
Subs: Paddy Butler for Nolan (35), Sammy Johnston for Bolger (40), Ronan Buckley for Kelly (52).
Referee: David Hughes.
