There was a lot of learning for players and management alike on Sunday afternoon as Kilkenny began their Walsh Cup campaign with a defeat of Laois on a scoreline of 1-27 to 0-24 in John Locke Park, Callan.
Despite the performance being far from flawless from a Kilkenny perspective, a youthful and inexperienced team eventually overcame what was a strong Laois line-up.
Speaking after the game, Kilkenny manager Brian Cody admitted that he was pleased with his side’s performance.
He said: “It’s January, it’s the Walsh Cup and it’s our first game for a lot of lads.
“I’m very happy with how all of the lads played today. More or less every single one of them were making their debut today and they gave a really good account of themselves.”
Kilkenny’s next group game in the pre-season competition sees them travel to Wexford for a clash with another of their neighbours.
Ahead of that tie with Darragh Egan’s side on Saturday afternoon in Chadwicks Wexford Park, the 11-time All-Ireland winning manager said that it will be yet another opportunity for several players to showcase their talent in a Kilkenny jersey.
“The game against Wexford will certainly be an interesting one. It will be good preparation for the league and the championship.
“In general, it’s good to have the whole thing up and running. Once you get going like we did today, it’s all systems go from hereon in,” he explained.
Kilkenny GAA have urged any supporters who wish to attend Saturday’s game to book their tickets in advance due to the limited capacity restrictions that are currently in place.
