Gleeson Kildangan star

Ruairí Gleeson was the hero for Kildangan as the North champions swept past Clonoulty-Rossmore in the replay of the Tipperary SHC quarter-final at Dolla on Saturday, winning by 3-13 to 2-13.

Caught by a late Timmy Hammersley point in the drawn contest, Kildangan stamped their authority early in the game. Tommy Connors netted after six minutes and when goalie Daragh Egan went up to blaze a 20-metre free to the net after 20 minutes they were 2-7 to 0-4 and cruising. John O Neill failed with a penalty attempt for Clonoulty just before half-time, leaving Kildangan ahead 2-9 to 0-6 at the break.

A big effort was required from Clonoulty-Rossmore in the second half and to their credit they rose to the challenge. An Aidan White goal after 50 minutes brought them within five points of their rivals. They added two points but Joe Gallagher eased Kildangan nerves with their third goal after 53 minutes to restore their six point advantage.