Kilbrin ease into county semi-final

latched a well directed ball to the net for Kilbrin enjoy a 1-7 to 0-5 grip at the break.

On the restart, Kilbrin continued to hold the upperhand with Crowley adding a pair of points. However Kilbree remained firmly in contention with centre back Brian O’Donovan at the helm as were Dylan Coffey and corner-forward Kevin O’Donovan took time out of his County Board officership to lend enthusiastic support.

Indeed O’Donovan was unerring from placed balls and further points from Don McCarthy and Martin O’Donovan pared back the arrears 1-9 to 0-9. Under the cosh, Kilbrin replied with points to O’Reilly and Daniel Sheahan.

Kilbree remained clearly up for a battle, freetaker O’Donovan again on target to leave just the goal between the pair with 10 minutes remaining . But just as seemed the momentum was growing for Kilbree, the experience of Kilbrin kicked in, their response calm and effective.

Indeed there was power and purpose in Kilbrin’s game, Daniel Sheahan, substitute Noel O’Callaghan and Stephen O’Reilly posting points in quick succession. And while Kilbree battled bravely and gamely right to the end, their efforts just weren’t good enough to keep their inaugural county journey alive.

Any lingering doubts about the outcome were removed when Egan and Crowley delivered the insurance points to allow Kilbrin march on to a county semi final meeting against Mayfield.