Two-goal blast paves the way for Kilmallock’s triumph over Ahane

TWO goals in the three minutes before half-time set Kilmallock on their way to a 3-16 to 2-16 win over Ahane in round one of the Limerick county senior hurling championship in Bruff yesterday.

Ahane led 0-7 to 0-5 when the sides swapped first-half goals, Paudie O’Brien raising a green flag for Kilmallock and Limerick senior player Sean O’Connor replying within 90 seconds.

A scoring blast of 2-4 before the interval gave Kilmallock a 3-9 to 2-9 half time lead. Their second goal came from Shane O’Donnell, while Limerick minor Graeme Mulcahy scored the third.

With Niall Moran frees to the fore, Ahane reduced the deficit to two points midway through the second-half but Kilmallock steadied with points from Andrew O’Shaughnessy and Mulcahy. O’Connor added a second goal in injury time for Ahane, who now progress through the backdoor.

Last season’s beaten finalists Croom overcame Knockainey 2-15 to 1-11. Steve Cahill was on fire for the winners with seven points from play.

Croom were without the injured Stephen Lucey, but six frees from John Barry helped them on their way.

Knockainey free-taker Pat Kirby notched 1-9, but its the losers section for the All-Blacks.

Na Piarsaigh celebrated their 40th anniversary this weekend, but could not overcome Granagh/Ballingarry, who were 1-14 to 2-8 winners.

Despite conceding two second-half goals, Denis O’Connor frees helped Granagh/Ballingarry on their way to this win.

2006 champions Bruree will have to meet Murroe/Boher again after they finished level, 1-9 to 0-12.

Last evening, intermediate champions Dromin/Athlacca were out of luck on their return to the senior ranks — losing to Doon in Caherconish.