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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 15 October 2021
kilkennyobserver.ie
Hurling matters
Sport
Defending starts with the attack
BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE
Following a pulsating weekend of knock-out action, the semi-final line-up for the St Canice’s Credit Union senior championship is now known. More about that later. O’Loughlin Gaels 2-19 Mullinavat 0-19 The weekend action began with the meeting of O’Loughlin Gaels and Mullinavat in Ballyhale. County defender Paddy Deegan lined out again at full-forward and is appearing to revel in orchestrating proceedings in the No. 14 jersey! When the going got tough in the final quarter, Deegan retreated to midfield to nullify the growing Mullinavat threat. Indeed, it was Deegan that raised an early green flag for the Gaels, that sent them into a 1-2 to 0-2 lead after just 5 minutes. Mullinavat almost hit back immediately, only to be denied following a great save from Gael’s keeper, Stephen Murphy. The sides continued to exchange scores before the lively Owen Wall assisted Mark Bergin who took full advantage and doubled his side’s lead. The placed ball would be the source of most scores for both sides, with James Bergin (1-10) and John Walsh (0-10) displaying great accuracy from frees. It would be the two first half major’s that’s would be the difference on the long whistle, as Andy Comerford’s side avenged their league defeat to secure the first of the semi-final berths. Tullaroan 1-29 Clara 2-19 The bookies had Clara as favourites for this last eight clash at St John’s Park. Having reached the league final recently, Kevin Ryan’s side had been expected to progress from their clash with the Sash, but former county star, stalwart and legend, Tommy Walsh had different ideas! This contest had a really championship feel about it, there was certainly an edge to it, both on and off the pitch. Those in attendance added to the bubbling atmosphere, and the players from both sides fed off this to produce arguably, the best clash of this year’s championship to date. As both teams ‘sparred’ with each other, the sides were level at the first water break, 4 points apiece, and they could not be separated on four occasions in the first 20 minutes of play as the score board controller had a quiet start to their day. The teams reached the interval level, 8 points apiece. Clara looked to have found the key when substitute Peter Nolan hit the net three minutes into the second half, but the Sash kept the score board ticking over to leave the sides tied once again at the second water break. The fear of knock-out hurling was clearly weighing heavily on players’ minds, as both teams were making uncharacteristic errors. Chris Bolger looked to have given Clara the upper hand when he raised his sides second green flag of the day, but this Tullaroan side never shy away from battle, and thanks to Shane Walsh’s accuracy from frees and an incredible display from his brother Padraig, the match went to extra-time. In the additional 20 minutes, it would be the Walsh household that drove the Sash to the semi’s registering all their sides scores, including a goal from Tommy. James Stephens 2-16 Dicksboro 2-15 Rivalling Tullaroan and Clara’s clash as game of the season, these two old derby foes served up a feast of hurling in the Autumn sunshine at UPMC Nowlan Park. Seamus Dwyer’s side got off to a great start, with a Tadhg O’Dwyer goal giving them the upper hand just before the end of the first quarter, but the Boro had other ideas. Goals in quick succession from Andy Gaffney and Aidan Nolan stunned the Village, before two further points, including one from Mark Nolan in his own half left Dicksboro four up, before a brace from Matthew Ruth kept his side within 2 points at the interval. The city sides continued to trade scores and it was the impressive Cian Kenny that kept the village in touch in a game in which they trailed for long parts. The introduction of experienced duo Eoin Larkin and Conor Browne appeared to lift the Village players and they drew level with 10 minutes remaining thanks again to the lively Kenny. Páraic Fanning must have thought his side had done enough to make the last four, thanks to points from Bill Sheehan and Robbie Fitzpatrick, but on an extraordinary day of hurling, corner-back Shane Donohue went on a mesmerizing run which culminated with the defender firing to the net in the 58th minute. Man of the match Cian Kenny then struck again and despite Gaffney’s late point it wasn’t to be for the Boro.
Testing the jersey
And then there were FOUR! Sash prevail as Shamrocks start to sizzle
