Leinster Hurling Championship: Dublin and Wexford draw as Kilkenny ease past Carlow
Sunday 19 May 2019 18:44, UK
A late goal from Sean Moran rescued a draw for Dublin against Wexford, as Kilkenny beat Carlow in Leinster.
Dublin 1-22 Wexford 2-19
Although it was just Dublin's second match of the campaign, there was a real sense of 'do-or-die' for Mattie Kenny's charges in Parnell Park. Davy Fitzgerald's side had sat out the first round, and were aiming to get off to a winning start just like 12 months ago.
It was the Yellowbellies who started the brighter in Donnycarney, bursting into an early lead. Long-range points from Shaun Murphy helped them into a 0-5 to 0-3 advantage, but from there, the Sky Blues hit a purple patch. The home side rattled off five points from play to take the lead, but they were pegged back as the teams went in level at the break, 0-11 apiece.
They went point-for-point in the opening exchanges in the second half, before the Dubs went on a four-point scoring burst to go 0-18 to 0-14 ahead. However, when the hosts managed to open their lead to five points, they were pegged back by a Liam Óg McGovern goal as the tie went down to the wire.
The Model County then drew level, and subsequently kicked on. A Rory O'Connor goal fired them into the lead, and with all the momentum they looked destined for victory.
However, a late, late free was awarded to Dublin on the Wexford 21 yard line, and Sean Moran stepped us. Just as the Cuala man had done in the 2018 All-Ireland club final, he rattled the net to rescue a draw and keep Dublin alive in Leinster.
Carlow 1-14 Kilkenny 3-22
Carlow were largely competitive in Pearse Stadium last weekend, ultimately losing to Galway by six points. However, it was clear from the early stages against Kilkenny that they would struggle, as Colin Fennelly found the net within the first minute.
Two more goals in the first half ensured that the Cats enjoyed a comfortable half-time cushion, 3-9 to 0-3.
However, to their credit Colm Bonnar's side kept up the fight and battled throughout, winning the second half.
Following last week's victory over Dublin, Kilkenny sit top of the table.
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