Limerick SHC: Na Piarsaigh 2-20 Kilmallock 1-17
Their first appearance in a Limerick Senior Hurling Championship Final came in 2009. Now, 16 years later, Na Piarsaigh’s semi-final triumph over Kilmallock sees them reach their 13th final, and they are one step away from their ninth John Daly Cup.
A blistering start of a goal from Adrian Breen and three points (one from Breen) provided an immediate platform for Na Piarsaigh to work off, never conceding that lead throughout.
It was the aforementioned forwards’ second goal that halted a seemingly strong Kilmallock comeback before half-time, and Na Piarsaigh never looked back.
The goal was followed by sweet points from Mike Casey, Breen himself, before Will Henn made it 1-3 to 0-0 for Na Piarsaigh after just five minutes of action.
Shane O’Brien notched his 50th point of the championship, getting his side’s opening score from a free in the 7th minute, before an immediate response of a point from his fellow Limerick star Casey at the other end.
This began a ping-pong of scores with both sides automatic between the posts. Ciaran O’Connor and David Woulfe scored for Kilmallock while Kevin Downes kept Na Piarsaigh ticking with two frees.
The two teams were so accurate with their shooting that their first wides did not come until the 18th (Na Piarsaigh) and 21st minute (Kilmallock).
It was here that O’Brien began to shine for the chasing Kilmallock, slotting over a hat-trick of frees. He was complimented by his Kilmallock defence at the other side, tightening up, after a rather vulnerable start.
Centre-forward Micheal Holohan brought the game back to a two-point deficit shortly after, but that proved the end of Kilmallock’s spirited comeback.
Daithí Dempsey, who was having an outstanding performance in the middle, scored in the 21st minute, with his half-forward partner Casey, getting his second point to follow.
James Finn turnt over the ball in centre-field, and his delivery inside slipped through the cracks of the Kilmallock defence, and Breen showed no mercy to score his second goal of the day.
Breen hits a second goal for @NapGAA
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A sickening blow, and Na Piarsaigh rubbed salt in the wound with another two scores from Casey and one from Dempsey, the latter following a great goal chance for Kilmallock with Killian Hayes’ effort rattling the crossbar.
Both sides added on two further scores before the break, leaving Kilmallock trailing 2-13 to 0-9 at half-time.
Three quick Kilmallock frees sprung life into the affair, but an Oisín O’Reilly goal effort tipped away by Shane Dowling provided another blow to the chasers.
Substitute Tommy Grimes ended the Na Piarsaigh drought in the 38th minute with his first point, which was followed by points from Will Henn and Kevin Downes (free).
The city side were aided by strong second-half showings from defenders Mike Casey and Vince Harrington, who were on hand to sweep up any treacherous ball sent in.
Kilmallock kept plugging scores from O’Brien and goalkeeper Conor Hanley-Clarke from frees, but time was of the essence, and certainly on Na Piarsaigh’s side.
Frustrations showed from Kilmallock near the finish, with Seán Carroll receiving a straight red card for what was deemed a high challenge on Keith Dempsey.
A late goal eventually came for the south-Limerick side from substitute Oisín Enright, who benefitted from a high ball, leaving a six-point margin to finish.
Scorers for Na Piarsaigh: Adrian Breen (2-1), Kevin Downes (0-6 5f 1 65′), Peter Casey (0-5), Will Henn (0-2), Daithí Dempsey (0-2), Dylan Lynch (0-1), Mike Casey (0-1), Ronan Lynch (0-1), Tommy Grimes (0-1).
Scorers for Kilmallock: Shane O’Brien (0-9 6f), Conor Hanley-Clarke (0-3 3f), Oisín Enright (1-0), Micheál Holohan (0-1), Ciaran O’Connor (0-1), David Woulfe (0-1), Oisín O’Reilly (0-1), Paudie O’Brien (0-1).
Na Piarsaigh: Shane Dowling; Jerome Boylan, Mike Casey, Vince Harrington; Mike Foley, Ronan Lynch, Emmet McEvoy; William O’Donoghue, James Finn; JJ Carey, Peter Casey, Daithí Dempsey; Kevin Downes, Will Henn, Adrian Breen.
Subs: Tommy Grimes for James Finn (HT), Dylan Lynch for JJ Carey (46), Keith Dempsey for Daithí Dempsey (52).
Kilmallock: Conor Hanley-Clarke; Dylan O’Brien, Mark O’Loughlin, Aaron Costello; Robbie Egan, Ciaran O’Connor, Sean Carroll; Killian Hayes, Robbie Hanley; Gavin O’Mahony, Micheal Holohan, Phelim O’Reilly; David Woulfe, Oisín O’Reilly, Shane O’Brien.
Subs: Tom Savage for Phelim O’Reilly (40), Paudie O’Brien for Gavin O’Mahony, Shane Dowling for Killian Hayes, Conor Staunton for David Woulfe (45), Oisín Enright for Aaron Costello (58).
Referee: Johnny Murphy