Kielys a potent force for Kilrossanty

Kilrossanty 2-5, Ardmore 0-7

Kilrossanty's 1-3 to 0-2 half-time lead was due mainly to the outstanding play of Jacko Kiely, whose superlative goal on 12 minutes would be a worthy match-winner on any stage.

He had already helped himself to a quality point before he delivered a thunderbolt from 25 metres which flew into the corner of Damien Lenane's net. giving the 'keeper no earthly chance of saving his citadel

Within 30 seconds of the restart, Dermot Kiely's great fisted effort was foiled by a daring Lenane save, but Kilrossanty extended their advantage quickly with a Barry Prendergast point.

Just when a comprehensive defeat was staring them in the face, Ardmore enjoyed their most productive spell. John Conway (2), Jamsie O'Donnell (free), and Richie Hennessy reeled off points to leave the score 1-5 to 0-6.

With 14 minutes remaining, the seasiders looked to be back in business.

On 50 minutes came that crucial second Kilrossanty goal, this time from the boot of Dermot Kiely. Another of the Kiely clan, Tommy, delivered a perfectly-judged sideline kick into a crowded goalmouth, where the big man gained possession, and in a twinkling, he had the ball in the back of the Ardmore net.

There was now no way back for Ardmore, who, despite territorial advantage, scored one point through Billy Harty.

True they dominated territorially for the remaining ten minutes, but their miserly return off a rock solid defence was a solitary point from Billy Harty who was easily their most dangerous forward over the hour.

No argument whatever about the result then on a night when Kilrossanty set out their stall from the very start and were poised for victory long before the hour had run its course.

Scorers Kilrossanty: J. Kiely(1-2); D. Kiely(1-0); R. Power(0-2); B. Prendergast(0-1). Ardmore: B. Harty(0-3); J. Conway(0-2); R. Hennessy, J. O'Donnell(0-1) each.

KILROSSANTY: A.Kirwan; P. Hayes. D. Mulhearne. M. Fitzgerald; B. Lannon. M. Kiely. S. Veale; R. Power. B. Prendergast; K.Doyle. K. Lonergan. J. Kiely; T. Kiely. D. Kiely. B. Kirwan.

ARDMORE: D. Lenane; A. Flavin. P. Conway. M. Hennessy; A. Ahearne. D. Prendergast. R. Hennessy; J. Hennessy. S. Prendergast; N. Hennessy. J. O'Donnell. C. Hennessy; G. North. B. Harty. J. Conway; Subs: D. O'Reilly for North; P. Gallagher for Ahearne.

Referee; Pa Walsh, Fourmilewater.