Rangers secure semi-final place

The four semi-final places for the Carlow SHC were decided over the weekend, with holders Mount Leinster Rangers safely through.

The defending champions were easy winners over Naomh Bríd and became the second side to qualify for the knockout stages. Leading 1-14 to 0-3, they had the game safe by half-time with Eddie Byrne scoring the goal just before the whistle.

The eventual winners, with Denis Murphy landing 0-11, were outscored in the second period but were content to hold what they had.

On Friday evening, Naomh Eoin shrugged off the absence of two of their most influential inter-county players, Eoin Nolan and namesake, John Michael, to produce an epic performance to see off previously unbeaten, Ballinkillen, 1-15 to 1-11.

Inspired by a superb second-half performance by Shane Kavanagh, Naomh Eoin gradually got the upper hand and could even afford to miss a close-in free when Ballinkillen keeper, Martin Minchin, hauled down Kevin Foley. Naomh Eoin lived dangerously in the final minutes of the half and Ballinkillen appealed for a penalty after Roberts outstripped the defence and was bottled up.

Their claims fell on deaf ears as two late Kavanagh frees and a long range effort by Joe Waters saw the Myshall side make the semi-finals with one round of games to spare.

In a drab encounter, St Mullins beat Erin’s Own 1-12 to 0-8, with Marty Kavanagh landing 0-9, ensured their passage through. Ballinkillen, despite their defeat two days earlier, cannot be caught by Naomh Bríd or Erin’s Own, who are now eliminated.