Kiskeam qualify for Premier semi-final
initial assignment added to his tally with a sweetly struck early goal.
Still Kiskeam looked up for the challenge , playing Daniel Fitzgerald in a sweeper role, they grabbed control for a spell, Gene Casey pointed with a trio from play and placed balls. And though Keith Buckley levelled matters for Piarsaigh, Kiskeam shaped up the better of the two sides from additional points by Tom O’Sullivan and Mike Herlihy.
However, Na Piarsaigh had cause for optimism, holding a spring in their step from the input of Eddie Gunning, Alan Brady, Keith Buckley and Keating.
And Piarsaigh gained reward from a bout of pressure, Padraig Gould pointed prior to a Brady cross was punched to net by Shaun Warren.
Now trailing by a point, Kiskeam rattled off a comeback, Scannell setting in motion Herlihy for a thumping drive to raise a green flag.
After Scannell tacked on a pointed free, the game had revved up a gear, Kiskeam grabbing a second goal on Dennehy intercepting a short kick out to coolly shoot the loose ball to the net to allow Kiskeam enjoy a 2-9 to 2-2 interval advantage.
Though a Keating pointed free ate into the deficit upon the restart, Na Piarsaigh found it difficult to create further inroads, some good moves were tarnished by poor shooting in difficult conditions.
Kiskeam were really up for the challenge, defenders A J O’Connor and the Caseys emerged shining facets, Padraig O’Leary and Dennehy embellished their midfield workrate with the cunning of Scannell and Herlihy in attacked confirmed Kiskeam held a much more balanced outfit.
Overall, Kiskeam were better in the tackle, quicker and more imaginative in attack. And with a marvellous work ethic, Kiskeam reeled off four points on the bounce from Adrian Carroll, Scannell and Casey.
Trailing by 10 points, defeat stared Na Piarsaigh who failed to create an impact with the assistance of the breeze, waiting to the 51st min for Keating to add his side’s second score to the half.
And while Piarsaigh battled gamely right to the end, they weren’t good enough to halt Kiskeam from progressing to a rare semi final date next month.