Kilbrin’s early scoring spree proves decisive

KILBRIN have qualified to meet Charleville in the semi-final of the Cork JAHC following their two-point replay victory over St Oliver Plunkett’s at Coachford on Saturday.

Played in heavy conditions, the Duhallow side did the groundwork in the first 30 minutes, led 3-10 to 0-8 at the changeover but had to survive a spirited fight back from St Oliver Plunkett’s.

After coming from behind to draw the previous encounter, Kilbrin, with former Cork hurler Sean O’Gorman in their backroom setup, were a much different outfit this time round. Midfielder William Egan settled his team with a couple of terrific points before Thomas O’Reilly found the net following tremendous work in defence.

St Oliver Plunkett’s worked their way back through Kevin Coffey but their efforts were undone in the run-up to half time as Kilbrin proved relentless.

First, full forward Liam Daly rifled in a goal following initial work from Daniel O’Sullivan and Kieran Sheahan. With the clock counting down, Damien Crowley, who was playing in the corner, raised another green flag to leave his side 3-9 to 0-6 ahead.

St Oliver Plunkett’s didn’t shy away though and owned the third quarter and when sub Donal Walsh flicked home a goal on 40 minutes, they went on to reduce the margin to 3-11 to 1-11.

Plunkett’s continued to drive on with Michael Higgins, now at centre back, knocking over his second point. They went in search of goals but found the Kilbrin rearguard giving nothing away.

Michael O’Riordan at full back and William Egan, who had moved to corner back, were staunch. Plunkett’s finally got the goal through Conor McCarthy but, with only a minute left, it came too late.

Scorers for Kilbrin: L Daly 1-3 (0-3fs), T O’Reilly, D Crowley 1-1 each, W Egan 0-4, K Sheahan, Daniel O’Sullivan 0-1 each.

Scorers for St Oliver Plunkett’s: K Coffey 0-7 (5fs), C McCarthy 1-2, D Walsh 1-0, M Higgins 0-2, B Walsh 0-1.

KILBRIN: P O’Callaghan; C Carroll, M O’Riordan, P Ahern; T Brennan, N O’Reilly, D Sheahan; W Egan, P Egan; K Sheahan, David O’Sullivan, Daniel O’Sullivan (capt); T O’Reilly, L Daly, D Crowley.

Subs: N O’Callaghan for David O’Sullivan (50).

ST OLIVER PLUNKETT’S: K Fitzgibbon; G McCarthy, T Coffey, J Crowley; M Higgins, C O’Driscoll (capt), B O’Driscoll; E O’Driscoll, MP Keohane; T J O’Driscoll, K Coffey, Coffey, P Coffey; K O’Driscoll, B Walsh, C McCarthy.

Subs: JP O’Driscoll for Crowley (ht), D Walsh for Keohane (35), MP Keohane for TJ O’Driscoll (56).

Referee: M Moynihan (Grenagh).