Lisdowney returned to the intermediate grade after last year’s relegation from the top tier.
The North Kilkenny club recorded an impressive 2-15 to 1-13 victory over Young Irelands at the weekend. Next up is Fenians for a half-12 throw-in at Páirc Lachtain. It will be a long haul for every team competing, however, Lisdowney knows all about that after their dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Thomastown back in 2020 to capture the intermediate crown.
See also: Opening weekend sees big wins for Glenmore, Mullinavat, Dicksboro
While that is still relatively fresh in the mind of the Lisdowney faithful, their manager Eamon Phelan stressed the importance of patience for his team ahead of their charge to bounce straight back to the senior ranks.
“We’re like Gowran and a few teams, every team is youth now and it’s a young man’s game.”
“From last year’s team, we’ve probably a good few changes from it, be for injuries or whatever reason.”
“We had faith in the lads, look it didn’t go for some lads today (against Young Irelands) but look we have a panel and a few fellas came on and made a difference.”
See also: Kilkenny & Carlow Club Championship post-match
Listen to the first episode of The Kilkenny Hurling Podcast, breaking down the opening weekend of the Kilkenny senior, intermediate and junior hurling leagues.