Kilkenny claimed the Bord Gáis Energy Leinster GAA Under-21 Hurling Championship title on Wednesday after a commanding display saw them overcome Wexford at Nowlan Park.
Eddie Brennan's charges dominated from the off in an impressive performance which bodes well for the future of hurling in the county after a 0-30 to 1-14 win. It is their first title at this level since 2012.
Richie Leahy and Alan Murphy led the charge for the Cats - scoring six points each while Luke Scanlon and Sean Morrissey chipped in with four points apiece.
Wexford struggled to keep pace with the hosts and despite and early goal from Sean O'Gorman - they rarely threatened to stop what appeared to be an inevitable Kilkenny victory.
Wexford's Rowan White with Pat Lyng of Kilkenny. Image: ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson
A red card in the 18th minute for Brian Quigley made a difficult task even harder for Wexford as Kilkenny built up a 0-17 to 1-06 lead at the break.
The home side were almost in cruise-control in the second half as the extra man allowed them to pick off scores at will.
Kilkenny hurling legend Tommy Walsh covered the game for Off the Ball and speaking to Joe Molloy afterwards he couldn't hide his delight with the plethora of talent coming through the ranks.
"They came in with massive expectation, massive pressure coming into this game," he said, adding: "After getting beaten last year with so many stars.
Wexford's Conor Firman with John Donnelly of Kilkenny. Image: ©INPHO/Tommy Dickson
"It was such a big game for these guys because when you win big matches at a young age, it gives you huge belief going forward. And these are the guys that we'll be hoping to be bringing on to Kilkenny to win an All-Ireland over the next few years.
"And to win in front of such a large home crowd when, I suppose, many people were wondering 'Can they do it? Will they live up to the hype?' and they did it! And you can't beat that - when people expect you to do it and you do it. They'll be going home to training in a week or two's time and they will be buzzing.
"It's the future really (of Kilkenny hurling) I'm thinking of here and I'm delighted for them," he added.
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