 Fennelly was retained at midfield when Kilkenny qualified to play Offaly in the Leinster final on 6 July 2003.He was held scoreless throughout the game but ended with a winners' medal after an 0-18 to 0-13 victory.On 14 September 2003, Fennelly was again selected at midfield when Kilkenny faced Galway in the All-Ireland final.