Ballyragget hold off battling Ballygar to secure place in decider

BALLYRAGGET were pushed all the way by a battling Ballygar side in an absorbing All-Ireland semi-final clash at Nenagh on Sunday.

Playing with a stiff breeze, the Kilkenny champions started brightly with points from Bill Staunton and Kevin Kelly. Eric Walsh opened Ballygar’s account but Kelly further extended Ballyragget’s advantage.

Despite being without injured captain Kieran Delaney (hamstring) and full-back Geoff Morrissey (leg) Ballyragget dominated and points from Kelly, Michael Brennan and Brian Phelan fired Ballyragget well ahead, 0-11 to 0-3, at the break.

Ballygar fired back for the second half and three successive close-range frees coupled with a 43rd minute goal, all from wing-forward Eric Walsh, brought them right back into contention.

Ballyragget responded well to the challenge, however, with Joe Brennan picking off two fine points. Ballygar could have bagged a second and maybe a third goal but Stephen Lohan kicked wide and Eric Walsh saw his shot come off the upright midway through the half.

Ballyragget staved off the best Ballygar could muster in the closing quarter with Geoffrey Brennan, Brian Phelan and Joe Brennan coming into their own.

Scorers for St Patrick’s, Ballyragget: K Kelly 0-8 (5fs, 1 65), J Brennan 0-3, B Phelan, B Staunton 0-2 each, M Brennan, J Phelan 0-1 each.

Scorers for Ballygar: E Walsh 1-5 (5fs), D Nolan, S Lohan (65) 0-2 each, P Quinn 0-1.

ST PATRICK’S, BALLYRAGGET: M Gannon; J Mooney, S Staunton, P Cahill; R Healy, G Brennan, S Roberts; B Phelan, J Gannon; J Phelan (capt), S Kenny, K Kelly; M Brennan, B Staunton, J Brennan.

Subs: C Delaney for Gannon (53), G Morrissey for Roberts (58), B Mulhall for Healy (61).

BALLYGAR: S Harkin; G Brennan (capt), D O’Malley, P Mannion; B Nolan, P Mahony, E Naughton; P Quinn, J Fitzmaurice; DJ Nolan, D Nolan, E Walsh; S Lohan, T Finneran, C Greally.

Sub: N Mannion for Fitzmaurice (48).

Referee: P Casey (Waterford).