Larkin the James Stephens ace

Eoin Larkin inspired James Stephens to victory over gritty Graigue-Ballycallan in an exciting Kilkenny SHC quarter-final in Freshford yesterday.

Former Kilkenny star Eddie Brennan was the star of the show in the early stages as Graigue raced 0-5 to 0-1 ahead. A double goal blast from late call-up, Niall Mullins turned the match on its head, and ’Stephens led 2-5 to 0-10 at the break. Three early second-half points from frees by Larkin helped the champions gain theupper hand before a superb individual goal in the 39th minute edged his side 3-8 to 0-12 ahead. Larkin finished the day with 1-8 as his side secured a 4-12 to 0-15 victory.

A late goal from sub Danny Loughnane secured a dramatic late win for O’Loughlin Gaels against Carrickshock in Ballyhale yesterday (1-15 to 1-11) and booked their place in the last four. Only four minutes earlier Carrickshock had taken the lead with the help of an own goal (1-11 to 0-13), but inspired by Brian Hogan and Martin Comerford, O’Loughlin’s roared back to take the honours.