Kilkenny United’s start to the season at The Watershed didn’t exactly go to plan as Peamount United came to town on Sunday afternoon.
Both sides start off well with their fair share of chances across the first half, goalkeeper Trish Fennelly making some fine stops to keep Peamount at bay and ensure the a goalless first half.
It was Kilkenny who got on the scoresheet first, new singing Leanne Tumelty setting up Becky Conroy to chip the ball over the on-rushing Naoisha Mcaloon in the Peamount goal, all inside the first five minutes of the second half.
The home side kept on the pressure and almost made it 2-0 with a fine chance from Bronagh Kane but her shot was saved.
That missed chance may have been the spark Peamount needed, the Dubliners springing into life. Eleanor Ryan-Doyle got on the end of a corner in the 58th minute and less than five minutes later had her second of the game to give Peamount a 2-1 lead.
Megan Lynch would make it 3-1 with ten minutes to go before Sarah McKevitt was hauled down in the Kilkenny box, Eleanor Ryan-Doyle tucking away the penalty for her hat-trick and Peamount’s fourth of the afternoon.
Full time, Peamount United 4, Kilkenny United 1.
Kilkenny travel to Dublin next weekend to take on UCD Waves.
Kilkenny United: Trish Fennelly, Leanne Tumelty, Cliodhna Ni Shi, Ciara Delaney, Emma Boyle, Sylvia Gee, Sarah O’Donoghue, Leanne Payne, Niamh Kelly, Bronagh Kane, Becky Conroy. Subs: Megan Butler, Michelle O’Regan, Aoife Maloney, Shianne Swarres, Aislinn Carroll.
Peamount United: Naoisha Mcaloon, Lauren O’Callaghan, Rachel Doyle, Louise Cornigen, Sarah McKevitt, Niamh Farrelly, Eleanor Ryan-Doyle, Niamh Barnes, Emma Byrne, Margaret Doyle, Megan Lynch. Subs: Chloe Moloney, Lucy McCartan, Lauren Kealy, Monica McGuirk, Vanella Hullon
Additional reporting Keith O’Toole.