Killenaule hold off late Annacarty surge to book final place

FBD Insurance County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Semi-Final

Killenaule 0-20

Éire Óg Annacarty 1-15

A late Éire Óg Annacarty surge was not enough to rescue their FBD Insurance Premier Intermediate Hurling title aspirations, losing narrowly to a fine Killenaule side in the county semi-final at Semple Stadium on Saturday.

For two sides not too long out of the senior grade, the prize on offer was a spot in the final and a return to the top flight. On the evidence of this game, Killenaule are the better prepared for top-table competition, but they were made to fight all the way by a resilient Éire Óg outfit who, after a below-par first half, raised their game considerably on the changeover.

Unbeaten in the competition, Killenaule were most people’s favourites to advance and this they justified with a lively performance. They were never led, had a penalty attempt for goal saved after nine minutes, and were six points clear and looking winners with five minutes to go when Annacarty mounted their late bid to save their year. It tested Killenaule’s resolve but they were equal to the challenge and will fancy their chances in the final.

The first half was played on Killenaule’s terms. A low-key first quarter saw them ahead 0-3 to 0-2, but then they moved up a gear, outscoring their rivals seven to three for a half-time lead of 0-10 to 0-5.

The Stakelums, Tom and Mark, were causing the Éire Óg defence lots of problems, while Killian O’Dwyer and Charlie Barrett were mopping up the best Éire Óg had to offer at the other end.

At 0-2 each, Killenaule won a penalty when Darragh Doyle was fouled, but Éire Óg goalie, former county custodian Darragh Mooney, made a top-class save. Veteran Brian Fox was excellent as sweeper for the West lads, with Darragh Kelly the biggest threat in an under-performing attack.

Killenaule were comfortable at the break and extended their advantage with two Tony Ryan points at the start of the second half. Donal O’Dwyer and Paudie Bradshaw countered for Éire Óg. Still, Killenaule were doing enough to keep daylight between them and their rivals.

Six points down with five minutes plus to play, Annacarty got the boost they needed for so long when Aidan Griffin took a pass from Connie Bradshaw and blasted to the net - 0-19 to 1-13, a three-point game with momentum swinging Annacarty’s way.

Tony Ryan’s free steadied the ship for Killenaule, but points from Tom Fox and Aidan Griffin had the West lads hot on their rivals’ heels. Time was on Killenaule’s side and they battened down the hatches in those hectic closing minutes to claim their place in the final.

Confidence is high in Killenaule as this campaign draws to a conclusion. Their unbeaten run has featured some impressive performances and, while they face their biggest challenge in the final, they have the players and the momentum to see them back to senior ranks next year. They looked a very competent team all round.

Killian O’Dwyer and Charlie Barrett shone in a defence in which Jack Hassett also did well. Podge O’Dwyer and Luke Ryan excelled around midfield, while in attack the Stakelums starred, with Tony Ryan accurate off frees. Joe O’Dwyer did not start and would be a big addition to them if available for the final.

Éire Óg gave it everything but came up marginally short. They started without David Fox and their low-key first half left them with too much ground to make up. The goal they needed came that bit too late for them to fully capitalise on it.

Brian Fox did an excellent job as sweeper, while Darragh Kelly was their best attacker. Paul Devlin, Aidan Griffin and Dinny Crosse also impressed, while Darragh Mooney in goal was also very influential.

Scorers: Killenaule: Tony Ryan (0-10, 0-7f), Tom Stakelum 0-3, Mark Stakelum 0-2, Eoin Shaw, Charlie Barrett, Paudie Feehan, Luke Ryan, Michael Doyle all 0-1 each.

Éire Óg Annacarty: Aidan Griffin (1-4, 0-3f), Darragh Kelly (0-4), Dinny Crosse 0-3, Brian Fox, Donal O’Dwyer, Paudie Bradshaw, Tom Fox all 0-1 each.

Killenaule: David McCormack; Jack Hassett, Killian O’Dwyer, Jimmy Feehan; Charlie Barrett, Paudie Feehan, Tom Keaveney; Podge O’Dwyer, Luke Ryan; Tony Ryan, Tom Stakelum, Eoin Shaw; Darragh Doyle, Mark Stakelum, Fionn Fitzgerald.

Subs used: Michael Doyle for D Doyle (41); Owen O’Dwyer for P Feehan (47); Oisín Shelly for Fitzgerald (52); Gus Brown for Shaw (61).

Éire Óg Annacarty: Darragh Mooney; Mixie Bradshaw, Darragh O’Brien, Paul Devlin; Conor O’Brien, Tom Fox, Dan Kelly; Connie Bradshaw, Paudie Bradshaw; Aidan Griffin, Donal O’Dwyer, Dinny Crosse; Brian Fox, Kev Fox, Darragh Kelly.

Subs used: Liam Óg O’Dwyer for K Fox (50); Jack Kingston for C Bradshaw (57).

Referee: Kevin Jordan (Thurles Gaels)