Mullinahone blow away the Swan in one-sided encounter in Clonmel

Mullinahone defeated Carrick Swans in Clonmel Sportsfield on Saturday

South Senior Hurling Championship semi-final

Mullinahone 1-22

Carrick Swans 0-16

Mullinahone produced arguably their finest South Senior Hurling Championship performance of the decade as they swept aside Carrick Swans by nine points at Clonmel Sportsfield on Saturday evening to book their place in the divisional final.

Having entered the championship under the cloud of the departures of experienced campaigners Mikey O'Shea, Colin Shelly and Conor Whelan through emigration, while also being without the injured Paul Curran, many questioned whether the Kickhams had the strength in depth to see off an up and coming Swan outfit in this semi-final.

Those doubts were emphatically answered with a display of intensity, composure and quality that saw them lead throughout and deservedly end the Swans' hopes of another South title. Mullinahone were full value for their 1-22 to 0-16 victory and, in truth, could easily have won by an even greater margin.

A first-half goal was ruled out following a tight decision, but the key and decisive score eventually arrived in the 25th minute through the outstanding Sam Rowan. Collecting possession near the corner, Rowan showed terrific composure as he spotted James Waters advancing from his line before delicately lobbing the Carrick Swans goalkeeper to the net with a classy finish that helped his side establish a 1-9 to 0-8 half-time advantage.

Carrick Swans threatened on a number of occasions to work their way back into the contest during the second half, but Mullinahone always had an answer.

Michael Dunne was unerring from placed balls, finishing with eight points, while Enda Keane continued his excellent form with four points from play. Rowan's goal and two points capped a superb all-round display, and substitute Jack Shelly made an immediate impact after his introduction by contributing three points.

At the opposite end, Carrick Swans were heavily reliant on the accuracy of Calum Lanigan, who accounted for 12 of their 16 points, while Stefan Tobin added three and Callum Walsh chipped in with one. However, they struggled to create enough scores from play against a disciplined and hard-working Mullinahone defence.

The foundations for victory were laid all over the field. Daire O'Brien was outstanding in defence, Darragh Linnane produced another commanding display, while Graham Horan's work-rate and physicality caused constant problems. Rowan's influence extended well beyond his scoring contribution, while Keane delivered one of his best performances in a Mullinahone jersey.

Mullinahone consistently won the aerial exchanges, dominated the breaking ball and mixed crisp deliveries into hand with accurate longer distribution to keep Carrick Swans on the back foot throughout. Whenever the Swans threatened to reduce the gap, Dunne's reliable free-taking ensured Mullinahone maintained control before pulling away once again.

Scorers: Mullinahone: Michael Dunne (0-8), Sam Rowan 1-2, Enda Keane 0-4, Jack Shelly 0-3, Eanna Ryan 0-2, Eoin Fennelly, Matthew Direen, Eoin O'Dwyer all 0-1 each.

Carrick Swans: Calum Lanigan (0-12), Stefan Tobin 0-3, Callum Walsh 0-1.

Mullinahone: Brendan Kearney; Daire O'Brien, Darragh Linnane, Eoin Treacy; Eoin Fennelly, Cillian White, Martin Kehoe; Michael Dunne, Sean Curran; Enda Keane, Sam Rowan, Eanna Ryan; Matthew Direen, Graham Horan, Eoin O'Dwyer.

Subs used: Jack Shelly for Direen (45); Dylan Hennessy for O'Dwyer (49).

Carrick Swans: James Waters; Scott Hogan, Aaron O'Halloran, Aidan Hanlon; Jack Murphy, Gavin O'Halloran, Ben Mulcaire; Eric O'Halloran, Ryan Waters; Taylor Fleming, Calum Lanigan, Aaron Dunne; Eoin Hogan, Stefan Tobin, Callum Walsh.

Subs used: Jamie Holloway for E Hogan (HT); Luke O'Dwyer for Gavin O'Halloran (41).

Referee: Brian Tyrrell (Moyle Rovers)