 After a fallow two-year period, Kilkenny bounced back in 1982 with Fennelly winning his first National Hurling League medal following a 2-14 to 1-11 defeat of Wexford.He later added a third Leinster medal to his collection following a 1-11 to 0-12 defeat of three-in-a-row hopefuls and reigning All-Ireland champions Offaly.On 5 September 1982 Kilkenny and Cork renewed their rivalry in the All-Ireland decider.