Kilshannig have six-point win over Ballygiblin in MAHC semi-final
Kilshannig 2-14 Ballygiblin 2-8
KILSHANNIG advanced to the Rebel Og North MAHC final following their win over Ballygiblin in the semi final at Doneraile on Tuesday evening. Ballygiblin were forced to lineout without key player Mark Keane. Kieran Twomey was outstanding for the winners all through.
Twomey had the opening score a pointed free and in the third minute he placed Conor McMahon for a well taken goal. Ballygiblin had their first score in the seventh minute when a long range free by Darragh O’Flynn was pointed by Adam Gubbins. Good play by Troy Millea to Adam Gubbins led to a point by James Coughlan 1-3 to 0-2.
Ballygiblin lacked scoring power up front relying mainly on Darragh O’Flynn who had 1-5 overall. Kieran Twomey kept the winners ahead. By the 23rd minute they led 1-5 to 0-5. Two more pointed frees put Kilshannig double scores clear 1-7 to 0-5. Kilshannig moved 1-8 to 0-6 ahead by the 27th minute.
In the closing moments good play by James Crotty, Seamus Coleman and Troy Millea led to a great save by Kilshannig keeper David Kearney with the rebound coming to the well placed Conor Cahill who goaled. Kilshannig replied a minute later when Barry O’Shea finished off a great attack by Eanna O’Hanlon and Kieran Twomey that saw the Glantane side hold a five point interval lead 2-8 to 1-6.
Barry O’Shea pointed on the resumption. Both sides had a number of wides. In the 38th minute Kieran Twomey stretched the winners lead 2-10 to 1-6. Ballygiblin came very strong. They got to terms in midfield. Darragh O’Flynn pointed two long range frees 2-10 to 1-8.
Kilshannig keeper David Kearney made some great saves with Bill Curtin and Michael Cogan also very effective in defence.
In the 54th minute a foul on Conor Cahill produced a free that Darragh Flynn goaled from cutting the lead to two points 2-10 to 2-8. Kilshannig regrouped very well having four late points without reply by Kieran Twomey, Barry O’Shea, Eoin O’Hanlon and Shane Lyons.
Kilshannig will now meet Kanturk in the final on August 23. KILSHANNIG: D Kearney, D Taylor, B Curtin, B Curtin, D O’Riordan, E O’Hanlon 0-1, M Cogan, C O’Shea, B O’Shea 1-2, S Lyons 0-1, K Twomey 0-10 (4f), D Guinee, A Sheehan, C McMahon 1-0, C O’Sullivan. Subs: K O’Connell for C McMahon (inj), D Cogan for C O’Sullivan.
BALLYGIBLIN: J Finn, J Crotty, S O’Connell, J Burke, D Mulqueen, S Coleman, C Brennock, C O’Sullivan, D Flynn 1-5 (1-2f), R Donegan, T Millea, J Coughlan 0-1, D O’Gorman, C Cahill 1-0, A Gubbins 0-2. Subs: D Sheehan for D O’Gorman, E Kent for A Gubbins (blood) A Gubbins for E Kent.
REF: Alec Morrissey (Newtownshandrum)