Doon bridge 18-year gap to book final spot

NA PIARSAIGH and Doon will contest the Limerick final after victories in their semi-finals at the Gaelic Grounds.

In the opening game, Doon edged out Patrickswell 2-17 to 0-22 with goals from Dean Coleman and Pat Ryan, to book a place in the decider for the first time since 2000.

Coleman (above) hit the net from close range after just five minutes to wipe out the ’Well’s two-point early advantage.

It was nip and tuck for most of the first half, with county hurlers on both sides to the fore.

Sublime

However, Ryan’s sublime individual effort helped Doon to a 2-10 to 0-13 interval advantage.

Patrickswell were patient in the second half and piled on the pressure in the final moments when Diarmaid Byrnes’ ‘65’ looked to have forced extra-time.

There was still time for one more chance for Doon though and the vastly experienced Denis Moloney popped up with the winner in added time.

Na Piarsaigh had a more comfortable time of it against Kilmallock in a repeat of last season’s final as they came out with a 2-19 to 2-15 win.

Graeme Mulcahy had Kilmallock in front after six minutes but Adrian Breen immediately responded for Na Piarsaigh with the first of two goals.

Mulcahy found the net himself moments later but Breen’s second goal on 22 minutes put Na Piarsaigh in firm control.

Kilmallock didn’t panic, though, and Oisin O’Reilly’s neat finish for their second goal cut the deficit to just two points at half-time.

Na Piarsaigh were able to hold Kilmallock at arm’s length in the second half, with All-Ireland final hero Shane Dowling keeping the scoreboard ticking over and sending them into the final, where they will look to win their fifth title since 2011.