Sexton’s strike fires Kilbrittain to victory

HE has formed a reputation as a football defender of note during his career but it was on the hurling stage where Owen Sexton was the hero in yesterday’s Evening Echo Cork IHC semi-final in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

After an absorbing tie, Kilbrittain and Kilworth were deadlocked for the seventh time at 0-16 apiece and as the match entered injury-time, there appeared to be favourable prospects of a replay. But in the dying embers of the clash Sexton combined with substitute Cian Hickey on the left wing and launched over a brilliant point from 40 yards. Kilworth mounted a couple of desperate late attacks but the Kilbrittain defence, that contained outstanding performers in Damien Desmond and Darren Hickey, scrambled successfully to clear their lines and set up a final date against Ballygarvan in a fortnight.

The win was hugely satisfying for Kilbrittain as they overcame a lethargic opening and defeated a Kilworth team who entered the game with strong credentials after contesting last year’s final and producing stirring recent victories. Kilbrittain trailed 0-5 to 0-1 after eight minutes but had recovered to be on level terms by the interval. Wing-forward Maurice Sexton supplied the inspiration in the first half, striking some timely points from play and frees.