Shanbally’ suffer opening league defeat

Kilshannig 1-17 Shanballymore 1-10

The overall balance and teamwork proved decisive as Kilshannig defeated Shanballymore in the opening round Cavanagh’s Fermoy Division 1 HL tie at Glantane on Sunday. The winners led all through.

Early points by Jack Kennefick, Conor Murphy and Evan O’Sullivan had them 0-3 ahead after 7 minutes. Good play by Jamie Sheedy led to a fine Brian O’Reilly point. Further Kilshannig pressure yielded points by Darragh Kennefick, Evan O’Sullivan (free) and Jack Kearney that opened up a lead of 0-7 to 0-2.

Shanballymore never gave up. They had points by Darragh Palmer, Brian O’Reilly and Jamie Sheedy.Kilshannig replied courtesy of Bill Curtin and Evan O’Flynn, as they led at half-time 0-9 to 0-5.

On the resumption, Kilshannig were impressive in the key half backline. They moved 0-12 to 0-6 clear after 41 minutes. Paddy Walsh and Jamie Sheedy swapped points. Jack Kearney goaled and Tony Brennan added a point.

Then, in the closing moments Shanballymore forced a penalty and Jamie Sheedy made no mistake. However, points by Evan O’Sullivan saw Kilshannig hold out for a seven point win.

Shanballymore: Stephen Donegan, Padraig Fitzgerald, Eoin McHugh, Barry Sheedy, Billy O’Grady, Darragh Palmer (0-1), Eoin O’Regan, Jerome Fitzgerald, Brian O’Reilly (0-2), Richard Hallahan, Sean Lynch, Noah Butler (0-1), Jamie Sheedy (1-5 - 1-0 pen, 0-3f), Jake Buckley (0-1), Conor McDonnell. Subs: Micheal Burke for Richard Hallahan, Jordan O’Grady for Billy O’Grady (inj), Jimmy Burke for Conor McDonnell, Anthony Dennehy for Barry Sheedy.

Referee, Michael Sheehan (Liscarroll).