Final quarter seals it for Kilbrin

superiority. Ultimately a fancied Kilbrin emerged worthy winners after outscoring Freemount 0-10 to 0-1 during the closing quarter.

That said, Kilbrin didn’t have it all their own way earlier, the sides deadlocked on 10 occasions. Indeed, Freemount lacked nothing in effort yet with the game in the melting pot, a tiring side failed to match the relentless march of a powerful Kilbrin charge.

Lucky to earn a second opportunity, Kilbrin secured a hard earned win, richly deserved on this occasion and while the seven point margin might have flattered them, the winners better balance grew into the ascendancy to finish with a flourish to set up a semi final meeting against Newmarket.

The opening quarter furnished strong evidence that an evenly balanced contest was in the offering with five points traded at either end. However the deadlock was broken with the game’s initial goal for Kilbrin, David O’Sullivan’s speculative delivery saw namesake Daniel finish to the net in style.

Freemount refused to panic and took encouragement from the positive play of Paul Nagle, Jason Ballentyne, Sean Fehin and Dean Collins. Enjoying good possession, Ballentyne, Aidan O’Flynn, Ger Withers and John Curtin pointed to forge Freemount ahead.

Kilbrin answered, David O’Sullivan the instigator for Liam Daly to finish to the net for a second goal. Again Freemount responded, Withers pointed for parity at the break, 0-12 to 2-6.

Into the second half, Freemount shaded general play, Ballentyne, O’Flynn, Collins and Curtin adding to the tally. Kilbrin refused to panic, points to Daniel Sheahan and Shane Crowley tied up the 2-10 to 0-16 for the 10th time by the 47th minute.

As a gallant Freemount wilted, Kilbrin proceeded to raise their pace and intensity through the effective play of Daniel Sheahan, Cillian Buttimer and William Egan in defence with Eoin Sheahan, William Heffernan and Daniel O’Sullivan also in the thick of the action.

Points to substitute Niall Field, Heffernan and Crowley nudged Kilbrin ahead. Freemount attempted to remain in touch, a Collins point appeared to keep the issue wide open.

However, Kilbrin’s self belief was unshakeable and their shooting matched it, a trio of Crowley points followed by duplicate scores to Eoin Sheahan and O’Sullivan sealed the outcome.