Killorglin edge Tralee to reach O’Sullivan Cup semi

MARTIN O’SULLIVAN CUP QUARTER-FINAL

Killorglin 26 Tralee 22

KILLORGLIN came out on top in the big local derby, but had to withstand a remarkable comeback from Tralee to secure victory in the finish. Killorglin led by 26-3 midway through the second half, but then Tralee awoke from their slumber and put their local rivals under all kinds of pressure for the rest of the contest. Tries from Jeaic O Suilleabhain, Fearghal O Nualain and Jeff Foley with 2 conversions, brought Tralee to within 4 points of Killorglin with just minutes to go, but Tralee simply ran out of time in the finish, as the local sides legs struggled on the heavy Ballymallis pitch.

Killorglin deserved their victory though, and some of the rugby that they played in the first half was of the top drawer variety. Their first try came after a good line out move saw Tommy Moriarty, Tony Lynch and Cathal Doyle involved with Mikey Houlihan touching down in the corner. Cathal Doyle touched down for try no.2 soon afterwards after a superb John Michael Cronin O’Reilly break and Luke O’Shea slotted the conversion.

Trales’s Jack Quilter put over a good penalty just before half time to leave Killorglin leading 12-3.

Killorglin made a great start to the second half with two tries in quick succession. The first was a kick and chase from Cathal Doyle and Rob Lynch crashed over the try line.. Shortly afterwards Tony Lynch found space on the right wing and touched down just near the sideline. Luke O’Shea converted both tries. After this the tide started to turn,and Tralee dominated for the rest of the game. They left it too late, however, and Killorglin held out for the win.