Mannix points way as Kilworth upset the odds

Kilworth 0-16 Ballyhea 0-11

The county senior panellist accounted for all but three of his side’s tally as he displayed his prowess both from play and frees to ensure Kilworth will meet Inniscarra in the quarter-final.

While Mannix was undoubtedly the star, the displays of Will Twomey at full-back and Kieran Lane at centre-back were magnificent and formed a ring of steel around ’keeper Kieran Walsh.

Ballyhea went into this local derby clash as firm favourites. In Neil Ronan, Pa O’Callaghan, Stephen Dennehy, Maurice O’Sullivan, Aidan O’Connor and Eamon Morrissey they had players with plenty of inter-county experience, but very few came away with reputations enhanced.

Apart from the opening two minutes during which they led 0-2 to 0-0, they never looked like winners once Kilworth drew level by the eighth minute.

All credit to Kilworth. Destroyed in their opening round by Watergrasshill (3-18 to 0-14), they have recovered superbly under the guidance of former Limerick stalwart TJ Ryan, and on the evidence of this performance, could well have a big say in the destination of the title.

Both defences did well with scores scarce, particularly in the first half at the end of which Kilworth led marginally, 0-6 to 0-5, Mannix accounting for all his side’s tally.

With Twomey and Lane commanding figures in the key positions in defence, Kilworth, and Mannix in particular, went on a scoring spree and by the end of the third quarter had stretched their lead to double figures, 0-12 to 0-6.

A Ballyhea goal was needed if this game was to be saved but they never threatened and the closing quarter was played out with Kilworth in total control.

Scorers for Kilworth: A. Mannix (0-13, 0-8 frees, 0-4, 0-1 65).

Ballyhea: N. Ronan (0-5, 0-4 frees); P. O’Callaghan (0-3); M. O’Sullivan, G. Morrissey, E. Rea (0-1 each).

KILWORTH: K.Walsh; M. McNamara, W. Twomey, A. O’Hara; N. Byrne, K. Lane, M. O’Connor; D. Cahill, D. McNamara; L. Whelan, J. Cahill, L. Condon; N. McNamara, N. O’Brien, A. Mannix.

Subs: P. Murphy for J. Cahill (12 secs.); M. Wade for N. O’Brien (40); J. McCarthy for D. McNamara (50); S. O’Brien for D. Cahill (55).

BALLYHEA: M. Browne; O. O’Sullivan, J. Hennessy, S. Dennehy; M. Morrissey, B. Coleman. T. Shanahan; M. O’Sullivan, A. O’Connor; P. O’Callaghan, J. O’Sullivan, D. Copps; J. Morrissey. E. Morrissey, N. Ronan.

Subs: G. Morrissey for J. Morrissey (40); E. Rea for A. O’Connor (40); E. O’Leary for E. Morrissey (45); I.Curtin for J. O’Sullivan (55).

Referee: J. Birmingham (Bride Rovers).