In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Thomastown has emerged victorious as the 2023 Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling champions. Noel Doherty’s side delivered a resounding performance, securing a 1 goal and 29 points to 17 points victory over Mooncoin in yesterday’s final.
The triumph represents more than just a championship win; it marks the end of Thomastown’s heartbreak at this grade. Recent years saw the club grappling with disappointing defeats in the latter stages, making this victory all the more sweet and poignant for players, management, and supporters alike.
Looking ahead, Thomastown is set to face Wexford club Cloughbawn in the quarter-final of the Leinster Intermediate Hurling Championship next month. The provincial stage awaits, presenting a new challenge and an opportunity to showcase their prowess beyond Kilkenny’s borders.
Thomastown and Kilkenny player John Donnelly shared his thoughts with KCLR, expressing the significance of achieving their primary goal for the year. He said, “We’re very lucky that we had one goal over the last few years. It was our goal to win the intermediate championship. We didn’t have anything about wanting to get to a semi-final or, you know, win a league or anything like that. We’ve won the championship now, and we never looked past that.”
Donnelly’s words reflect a focused and determined mindset within the Thomastown camp. The single-minded pursuit of the intermediate championship, a goal they have now realized, underscores the dedication and commitment of the players and coaching staff.
The victory not only brings joy to Thomastown but also sets the stage for them to make an impact on the wider Leinster Intermediate Hurling Championship. Their upcoming clash with Cloughbawn will be a test of their mettle and an opportunity to further etch their name in the history of Kilkenny hurling.
As the Thomastown faithful savor the taste of success, the journey doesn’t end here. The Leinster championship beckons, and Thomastown, buoyed by their recent triumph, will be eager to make their mark on the provincial stage. For now, though, the spotlight shines brightly on Thomastown as they revel in the glory of being crowned the 2023 Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Kilkenny Intermediate Hurling champions.
Fan of Kilkenny hurling? Well check out our Kilkenny Hurling podcast below
Each week Robbie Dowling and former Blacks and Whites manager Eddie Scally cast their eye over all the action from the weekend’s senior, intermediate, and junior league and championship games as well as looking ahead to the next round of action.
