Sport

from Kilkenny Observer 3rd December 2021

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BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

AIB Leinster Intermediate Hurling Championship Ballinakill 1-12 Glenmore 2-17 Ballinakill 1-12 Glenmore 2-17 @ Abbeyleix, Saturday

November 27th

GOALS win games, and that proved to be the case at a very cold Abbeyleix last Saturday, when Laois champions Ballinakill faced-o against Glenmore for a place in the provincial semi- nal.

Majors from substitute David Burke and captain fantastic Ger Aylward ensure that the Glen prevailed against a spirited Ballinakill. e Laois champions, minus the missing county star Cha Dwyer, had staged a major comeback in both halves of their round one game against Westmeath side Cullion in Mullingar a week earlier, but found the quality for this Glenmore a bridge too far.

Declan Wall’s side came out of the traps quickly, and wasted no time in putting a marker down against their less fancied opponents. Alan Murphy slotted over the rst score of the day from a free, before adding a monstrous second, only 30 yards from his own goal! is also gave an indication of the wind with which the Kilkenny side were playing with in the rst half.

Mid elder Philly Roche struck a lovely point from around half-way, following a nice side line cut from Alan Murphy. Eight minutes gone Glenmore 3 points to no score ahead. Mikey Kirwan then took a puck-out that landed in on top of the full-forward line. Ian Byrne challenged for possession before the ball broke to Ger Aylward, who from tight-out on the left struck a lovely point. e same player repeated the feat a minute later when he collected the ball following a mistake from his marker and slotted over from about 50 yards out on the left. 11 minutes gone, Declan Wall’s side 0-5 to no score. e Laois champions were really struggling to get into the game, largely due to work-rate and hunger of the Glenmore side. Indeed, it took Ballinakill some fteen minutes to open their account, from a close-range free, courtesy of cornerforward TJ Lalor. e same player would double his side’s total a minute later, again from the placed ball.

Not to be outdone by his mid eld partner, Billy Reid than collected the ball superbly, out on th left touchline, before swinging over a cracking point. Eoin Murphy then intercepted

a pass from Ballinakill win games, defender, before striking a beautiful score from about 55 yards out, to leave Glenmore 0-7 to 0-2 ahead at the rst water-break. Seamus Dowling must have had a few strong words with his charges, as they looked a di erent animal after the short break. ey began to hurl with much more con dence and the swagger of a team that were Laois Premier Intermediate champions. Ballinakill would actually go on to win the second quarter, 4 points to 2. First up for the home side was Jamie Drury, who knocked over a nice point from wide out on the right, for his team’s third score. Glenmore responded, and from the next attack, a great hook by Ian Byrne allowed Mark Aylward to pick up the loose ball before shooting over for a timely score. Ballinakill came down the eld and worked the ball from left to right, before Lir McDonald pointed from a central position to re over. en wing-back and Shane Murphy was fouled on his own ‘65, which gave his brother, Alan a chance to point from the placed ball, which he took advantage of. From the puck-out, the Laois side won possession and made inroads towards the Glenmore goal. ey slipped the pass to Cian O’Shaughnessy, who despite coming under erce pressure, managed to re over a stunning point. TJ Lalor then won and converted a free to leave his side trailing by 3 points. Despite a little more hu ng and pu ng from both sides, no more scores were added in the remainder of the half, and as O aly referee Adam Kinahan blew for the interval, Glenmore lead 0-9 to 0-6. Having played with a very strong wind in the rst half, Declan Wall would probably been a little disappointed to be only 3 points up at the break. On the other hand, Seamus Dowling would have been pleased to be only one score in arrears, given it took 15 minutes for his side to raise their rst ag. When play resumed at an extremely windy Abbeyleix, Ballinakill drew rst blood, corner-back Noel Duggan struck a lovely point after emerging from a huddle of players with the ball. ings would improve signi cantly for the Laois Champions a

‘Hon the Glen!

Naas await in semi showdown

SHERRY SAYS MOTM - Shane Murphy shadows his man

Shane gets stuck in!

Philly Roche take a tumble Wait for me! Ian Bryne escapes the clutches of his opponent

On the run - Mark Aylward bursts forward

... CONTINUED

few minutes later, when after a Lir McDonald sideline cut into the danger zone, resulted in a little pinball, before wing-forward Cian O’Shaughnessy ri ed the loose ball past Mikey Kirwan to the back of the net and gave his side the lead for the rst time in the game, 1-7 to 0-9. e underdogs were thriving, and starting to think an upset may have been on the cards.

Alan Murphy then struck a lovely free low and over the bar to tie the game. e same man would put his side back in front with a stunning long range placed ball. Alan would then pick out his captain with a lovely pass, which gave him the time to slot over a tasty point. Glenmore seemed to have been spurred on by their opponent’s goal, and were starting to play the hurling we know they are capable of. is was evident with their next score. Great play from Colm Doherty was the ball slipped to Mark Aylward who drove forward and played the ball into corner-forward Ian Byrne, who managed to nd the supporting run of Philly Roche, who pointed from out on the right, much to the delight of the traveling Glenmore faithful. Liam Hennessey, who had been a lot more subdued, won possession from a long Kirwan free, before battling hard and eventually, winning a free from just outside the ‘21, which Alan Murphy dispatched between the posts, to push his side’s lead to 4 points.

Glenmore then won a sideline cut on the Ballinakill ‘65. Alan Muphy took it short, and Philly Roche did well to touch the ball into the path of the on-running Eoin Muphy, who burst through like a steam train before passing to Mark Aylward, whose shot was well blocked by the keeper. Substitute David Burke was quick on the scene and struck to the net for his sides rst major. Declan Wall’s men held a 7-point lead as the referee signaled the second water break, 1-14 to 1-7. e quality of the Noreside team was now in full e ect.

To their credit, Seamus Dowling’s men kept plugging away, and got their rst score in almost 10 minutes, when Ian Shanahan red over a point, followed by scores from Sean Downey and TJ Lalor. Alan Murphy then pointed his sides 15th point, to leave the score 1-15 to 1-10 with just under 10 minutes left on the clock. Lalor then popped over a routine free following a yellow card for Eoin Aylward.

Glenmore then struck for their second major of the day. A Ballinakill sideline cut was intercepted by substitute Ethan Phelan, who took possession before arrowing a lovely pass into his captain Ger Aylward. Ger collected the pass brilliantly before turning his marker and ri ing across the keeper and into the net. ere was still time for Phelan to get his name on the score sheet, when his keeper found Cathal Beirne, who icked the ball beautifully into the path of Ethan Phelan, who struck over for his sides nal point.

From the puck out, referee Adam Kinahan blew for fulltime. A provincial semi- nal now awaits the men from Glenmore. Sean Downey 0-2 (0-1 free), Noel Duggan, Ian Shanahan, Lir McDonald, Jamie Drury 0-1 each.

Team: Paul Simms; Noel Duggan, Brian O’Mara, Mark Kehoe; Ian Shanahan, Sean Downey, Michael Moran; Lir McDonald, Padraig Lawlor; Jamie Drury, Seamus Fitzpatrick, Cian O’Shaughnessy; Evan Dunne, Eddie Dwyer, TJ Lalor. Subs: Cathal O’Shaughnessy for Evan Dunne (temp), Dan Bergin for Jamie Drury (41), Dylan Byrne Gray for Eddie Dwyer (46m)

Defending from the front - Ian Byrne sticks tight to his man

Burke 1-0, Philly Roche 0-2, Billy Reid, Eoin Murphy, Billy Reid, Eoin Murphy, Mark Aylward, Ethan Phelan Mark Aylward, Ethan Phelan 0-1 each. Team: Michael Kirwan; Sean Duggan, Eoin Aylward, Shane Doherty; Colm Doherty, Eoin Murphy, Shane Murphy; Philly Roche, Billy Reid; Mark Aylward, Liam Hennessy, Alan Murphy; Robbie Fitzgerald, Ger Aylward, Ian Byrne. Subs: Subs: David Burke for Reid, Ethan Phelan for Byrne, Darragh Hartley for Roche, Cathal Beirne for M Aylward, Richie Hennessy for Fitzgerald

Referee: Adam Kinahan (Offaly)

>> SHERRY SAYS...

For large parts of this game, Glenmore probably didn’t hit the heights that they know they can, but it was all about the result in this dogged provincial quarter- nal in Abbeyleix on a bitterly cold Saturday in winter.

Look, Glenmore were worthy winners. eir quality was on display at intervals throughout the game. When they played with courage and at a higher tempo, their Laois opponents, couldn’t cope with them.

Yes, they know that they will have to perhaps go through the gears a little quicker next time out, but to be honest, even when Ballinakill went in front for the rst time in the game, I never feared for the men from the Glen.

Classy captain Ger Aylward took his goal beautifully. Alan Murphy was accurate from the placed ball. Robbie Fitz’, Mark Aylward and Ian Byrne were busy. For me, it was the performance of Shane Murphy at wing-back, that was the pick of the winning side’s charges. He won ball, he broke ball, he covered gaps and he led by example. e boys from the bench made a di erence when they entered the battleground. Mikey Kirwan, who took over the net minding duties from omas Dunne, as calm and accurate from the puck-out.

Eoin Murphy was again in the thick of it from No.6. following TJ Reid’s nuptials, the day before. (Congratulations by the way TJ – a wee honeymoon trip to Carlow for you next week!)

Back to Glenmore. Declan Wall’s side will now face the sti challenge of Naas in a week’s time, with a place in the provincial decider at stake. His panel will have been nursing the knocks and preparing for the Kildare men’s threat. ey will have learned from last week’s victory, but have a bigger prize in their sights.

Cats’ county calendar becomes clearer as xture list released

She in vs Cody championship showdown set for May

Kilkenny senior hurlers now know what awaits them in 2022.

Last weekend saw the draw’s made for the provincial series along with the pre-season competition.

Brian Cody’s men will look to shake-o any winter rust, when they take part in the 7-team Walsh Cup, over the rst month of the New Year.

Drawn in Group B, the black & amber start at home with a match against the O’Moore county of Laois on January 16th. is is followed up with a trip to Davy Fitz’s old team Wexford a week later. ere is also plenty of Kilkenny involvement in the other group.

Group A is made up of Henry She in’s Galway, O aly side under the guidance of Michael Fennelly along with Dublin and Antrim.

Kilkenny legend & 10-time All-Ireland winner She in’s rst game in charge of Galway will be against Antrim while fellow Ballyhale native Fennelly’s second season in charge of the Faithful County begins with a home tie against Mattie Kenny’s Dublin.

WALSH CUP 2022 GROUPS

GROUP A Galway Offaly Antrim Dublin

GROUP B Kilkenny Laois Wexford ROUND 1 FIXTURES (JANUARY 9) GROUP A: Dublin vs Antrim Antrim vs Galway GROUP B: Laois vs Wexford ROUND 2 FIXTURES (JANUARY 16) Dublin vs Galway Offaly vs Antrim

GROUP B: Kilkenny vs Laois ROUND 3 FIXTURES (23 JANUARY) GROUP A: Antrim vs Galway Offaly vs Dublin GROUP B: Wexford vs Kilkenny FINAL (30 JANUARY) Winner Group B v Winner Group A

Ding!!

Round THREE!!

• Leinster campaign starts in Mullingar • Road trip to the west could be crucial Kilkenny will begin their defence of the Bob O’Kee e Trophy away, to Westmeath. Last year’s beaten nalists Dublin will welcome Laois to Parnell Park. e remaining Round 1 tie will see Henry She in’s Galway start their campaign on the road, against Darragh Egan’s Wexford.

Skipping on to round 3 – where no doubt Henry will have the welcome mat out for Brian Cody and his team. Expect the B&Bs and hotels to ll up quickly for this Bank Holiday cracker!

LEINSTER SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 2022

ROUND ONE (16/17 APRIL) Dublin v Laois, Wexford v Galway, Westmeath v Kilkenny ROUND TWO (23/24 APRIL) Kilkenny v Laois, Wexford v Dublin, Galway v Westmeath ROUND THREE (30 APRIL/1 MAY) Laois v Wexford, Galway v Kilkenny, Westmeath v Dublin ROUND FOUR (14/15 MAY) Dublin v Kilkenny, Laois v Galway, Westmeath v Wexford ROUND FIVE (21/22 MAY) Kilkenny v Wexford, Galway v Dublin, Laois v Westmeath

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

2021 AIB Leinster Club Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Final Mount Leinster Rangers Vs Shamrocks Ballyhale Ballyhale Netwatch Cullen Park - 2:00 PM Saturday 4th December ALL roads will lead to Netwatch Cullen Park tomorrow, as the Kilkenny senior hurling champions, four years running, Ballyhale, put champions, four years running, Ballyhale, put their provincial title on the line, when they face Carlow kingpins Mount Leinster Rangers.

Originally scheduled for last Saturday, the game was moved to tomorrow, which allowed a certain Mr. TJ Reid to tie the knot! One would imagine the honeymoon will have been put on the backwould imagine the honeymoon will have been put on the backburner, for the time being.

James O’Connor’s side know that a di cult James O’Connor’s side know that a di cult proposition awaits at the home of Carlow GAA. proposition awaits at the home of Carlow GAA. No doubt there will be a raucous crowd in No doubt there will be a raucous crowd in attendance, the majority will be cheering on attendance, the majority will be cheering on the Carlow champions.

Mount Leinster Rangers won their Mount Leinster Rangers won their county title way back on September county title way back on September 19th, and this might be a cause for 19th, and this might be a cause for concern for their manager, Conor concern for their manager, Conor Phelan, although plenty of his panel have been plying their trade with the footballers on their march to the semi- nal of the Carlow senior football championship. As a proud dual club, this is seen by some as a bene t, while others may hold a di erent view. eir 8-point county nal win over great rivals St Mullins was an over great rivals St Mullins was an emphatic statement of intent, as they secured back-to-back titles. In they secured back-to-back titles. In a blistering opening half, Rangers a blistering opening half, Rangers registered 0-17, all of which came from registered 0-17, all of which came from play. is shows that there is plenty play. is shows that there is plenty of repower available in the Carlow of repower available in the Carlow champion’s side.

Ten of their rst half tally came from the Ten of their rst half tally came from the hurls of the Nolan brothers, Jon and Chris, who hurls of the Nolan brothers, Jon and Chris, who on their day can prove tricky to mark. In fact, sixteen on their day can prove tricky to mark. In fact, sixteen of the Rangers total came from their full forward line, so of the Rangers total came from their full forward line, so Joey Holden & co. will need to be on the front foot come throw-in to help snu out the oppositions attacking threat.

Some will see this as a ‘free hit’ for the Carlow side. is can prove dangerous, should the bookies favourites to retain their All-Ireland crown, underestimate their opponents. Rangers last reached the club nal in 2014 and they will certainly take to the Netwatch Cullen Park pitch knowing many have written them o .

Shamrocks know that winning the mid eld battle, will be key to gaining the upper hand in this quarter- nal xture. To that end, the impressive form of Ronan Corcoran and his partnership with Brian Cody should mean that the Kilkenny side can dominate the engine room. Corcoran in particular, has been quietly building his reputation this season, and some of the scores he has taken, have been quite delightful.

Fiachra Fitzpatrick and his mid eld partner last time out, Tony Lawlor notched 0-3 between them in their county nal, and our lads will have brought be up-to-speed on their opponents in this crucial sector. e Rangers rear guard, skippered from corner-back by Michael Doyle, will have had plenty of time to study the attacking prowess of Ballyhale – studying is one thing, coping with the Shamrocks front six, is another matter.

TJ Reid, Adrian Mullen, Eoin Cody, Joe Cuddihy, Colin Fennelly, Eoin Reid and Liam Barron. Plenty of sting in the Shamrocks forwards.

Providing TJ hasn’t own to Cancun on honeymoon – expect any indiscretions from the Carlow champions to be punished with deadly e ciency. TJ’s ability to drop deep and forage for ‘dirty ball’ and deliver to the forwards left inside will be interesting. Joe Cuddihy has been a revelation this year. He has provided a di erent style of attacking threat to his teams forward dynamic. Eoin Cody needs no introduction and you feel that Saturday could be a big day for the Kilkenny star. Adrian Mullen’s phased return to club hurling has been timely. He was very hard working in the county nal, and showed some lovely link-up play in the defeat of O’Loughlin’s. If the going gets tough, Adrian won’t be found wanting.

Ballyhale tend to have a spread of scorers on the board, and this is backed up by the fact that they only had one player (TJ) in the top 10 scorers in this year’s county championship. Evan She in can chip in with the odd score, as can the conductor from No.6,

TJ - by hook or by crook!

All pix: Danny Lahart

Joe Cuddihy under pressure

Shamrocks set for Rangers shoot-out

Adrian Mullen battles for possession

Richie Reid in control Joey Holden and Darragh Corcoran Richie Reid. e goal that corner-back Brian Butler scored in the county nal, was a thing of beauty, scored in the county nal, was a thing of beauty, skill, power, pace and accuracy. I’d love to see skill, power, pace and accuracy. I’d love to see another one of those tomorrow! another one of those tomorrow! Should some of the defenders leave Should some of the defenders leave the house, you can rely on recently the house, you can rely on recently retired county star, Joey Holden to retired county star, Joey Holden to mind the valuables! Behind Joey & mind the valuables! Behind Joey & co. will be Dean Mason. e net co. will be Dean Mason. e net minder has been in impressive minder has been in impressive form in the championship to form in the championship to date, and did well on a number date, and did well on a number of occasions against Paddy of occasions against Paddy Deegan and his teammates last time out. His ability to nd fellow Shamrocks from the puck-out will be vital tomorrow, as should the Rangers secure as should the Rangers secure enough possession, they do enough possession, they do have the tools to carve out and have the tools to carve out and take scoring opportunities. take scoring opportunities. Hurling at this time of the year Hurling at this time of the year can be di cult. e playing can be di cult. e playing conditions underfoot, the howling conditions underfoot, the howling winds, the aching legs and muscles, winds, the aching legs and muscles, make it a real challenge to shine. make it a real challenge to shine. I fully expect Shamrocks of Ballyhale I fully expect Shamrocks of Ballyhale to weather the Mount Leinster Rangers to weather the Mount Leinster Rangers challenge, and send a timely challenge, and send a timely reminder to the rest of reminder to the rest of the province and the province and Island, that they Island, that they haven’t gone haven’t gone away you away you know! know!

Sport

U21 semi- nal awaits after hard fought victory

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

J.J Kavanagh and Sons U21 A Hurling Championship (Quarter Final B) Saturday, 27th November. Venue: Palmerstown Dicksboro 0-15 O’Loughlin Gaels 0-13

HOME advantage proved crucial as Dicksboro overcame a erce challenge from rivals O’Loughlin Gaels at a bitterly cold Palmerstown on Saturday.

In the nal quarter, the ‘Boro sprung a few subs from their bench, and the introduction of fresh legs certainly helped them overturn a 3-point de cit and run-out 2-point winners. e game was feisty at times, and neither side took a backwards step as things heated up, both on the pitch and on the sideline!

O’Loughlin’s will rue many missed chances, but the substitutions for the home side provided the impetus for the comeback and secured a semi- nal berth.