O’Driscoll goal paves way for Lyre win
and a productive spell yielded seven consecutive scores for a profitable 1-6 tally.
Kilbrin had dictated the early exchanges yet as the game developed, their hopes waned in direct proportion to an all round improvement to Lyre game. Indeed, Kilbrin had started in encouraging fashion through the prominent efforts of the Egan brothers in addition to Con Carroll and Niall Field.
Points to Paudie O’Callaghan and Daniel O’Sullivan helped a dominant Kilbrin enjoy a 0-3 to 0-1 advantage. Gradually Lyre played their way into the contest, points to Damien Kearney and Timmie Murphy gathered parity.
Those scores proved the beginning of a rewarding spell for Lyre. With full back Damien Kearney covering literally every blade of grass, a relentless Lyre charge was highlighted in the 26th minute on the game’s only goal, good work by Martin Kearney and Murphy allowed Brian O’Driscoll finish to the net.
Kilbrin halted the onslaught for Shane Crowley and Stephen O’Reilly split the uprights to cut the arrears 1-7 to 0-5 at the break. And matters restarted promisingly for Kilbrin on availing from a pointed free by O’Sullivan.
Again, Lyre reacted positively and raised the level of their performance, driven on by the Kearney brothers, Denis Mannix, James Twohig and David Murphy. Going forward, points to O’Driscoll, Timmie Murphy and Patrick O’Keeffe boosted Lyre’s cause.
On the break, Kilbrin threatened, close to a goal, William Egan fed his brother Patrick and his low show was diverted around the post by Lyre ‘keeper Seán Murphy for an unconverted ‘45’. Lyre remained on the ascendancy, Jack Roche and O’Driscoll adding points.
Kilbrin did break a barren spell for O’Sullivan to point a free yet despite an enthusiastic start, they lacked the teamwork and sharpness of a better balanced Lyre outfit.