Nine-time Kilkenny senior champions James Stephens will be playing their championship hurling in the intermediate ranks next season after suffering relegation at the hands of Glenmore this afternoon.
Brian Cody’s side went down in a 3-17 to 3-12 at Thomastown which marks an end to the city club’s 69-year stay in Kilkenny’s top tier championship.
Despite being reduced to 14 men midway through the first-half, James Stephens led by 3-5 to 1-9 at half-time thanks to goals late in the half from Tadhg O’Dwyer and Eoin Guilfoyle.
Glenmore battled back in the second-half though and hit the front with the help of Alan Murphy’s frees before substitute Ethan Phelan struck for a late goal which all but sealed their safety and the drop for Cody’s men.
TweetFor the first time in 69 years, James Stephens won’t be playing senior hurling. They have suffered relegation for the first time after Brian Cody’s side lost to a Glenmore side without Eoin Murphy 3-17 to 3-12.
— OurGame.ie (@OurGameHQ) October 5, 2024
The city side played 45 minutes with 14 men after having a man sent… pic.twitter.com/9Ymwq4cn7i