Cork City left Buckley Park on Saturday night with mixed emotions. After having goalkeeper Noel Mooney sent off in the 55th minute, they were probably happy enough to share the spoils, but on chances created they might still have sneaked a win.
New Kilkenny boss Joe McGrath expressed himself happy with the commitment shown by his side, but they rarely posed much threat up front, apart from a brief spell after Cork were reduced to 10 men.
Mooney's moment of madness in the 55th minute was inexplicable.
Former team-mate Jason Kabia appeared to tug at his shirt, and after Mooney hit out with his hand, the referee immediately produced red.
The best chance of the match fell to the visitors in the 48th minute. A corner on the left by Colin O'Brien found Mark Herrick at the back post.
However, the latter's firm downward header bounced inside the six yard box and miraculously went over the bar.
KILKENNY CITY: Forde; Mulcahy, Brunton, Byrne, O'Riordan, Brennan, Kenny, Costello, Knight (Parkes 58), Mullen, Kabia (Jordan 76).
CORK CITY: Mooney, Horgan, Delaney, Daly, Napier, O'Halloran, Moore (Caulfield 46), Mulligan (O'Shea 55), Herrick, Morley (Tynan 87), O'Brien.
Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).
