Late, late Sheehan point delights Kilworth and breaks Ballincollig hearts

MAN OF THE HOUR: Michael Sheehan, Kilworth, Steve Wills, Ballincollig. Pic: Jim Coughlan.

Kilworth 1-20 Ballincollig 2-16 

JOY for Kilworth in Riverstown on Saturday, real heartbreak for Ballincollig as a point nearly five minutes into injury time from Michael Sheehan booked a Cork Premier IHC final spot for the Avondhu club where they now face Castlelyons for the right to play senior hurling next season.

In fairness to both sides they served up a teak tough game of hurling but Kilworth had that extra bit of resolve and even when Ballincollig struck for both their goals from Brian Keating and Cian Dorgan, the north Cork side never panicked and continued to apply the pressure.

Ballincollig did open well, a free from Dave O’Sullivan giving them a quick lead but his radar was off track with a few more as Kilworth took over with two fine points from Jamie Sheehan and Liam Whelan and the game was really competitive.

Ballincollig hit six wides in that opening quarter and it was no surprise when Sheehan fired over Kilworth’s third point in the 17th minute.

Ballincollig changed their freetaker, Cian Dorgan taking over the duty in the second quarter, and he duly sent over a free and a 65. 

Ballincollig were far more direct now with the long ball paying dividends and two fine points from Keating and Steve Wills had the sides level at 0-5 apiece after 26 minutes.

Then a fine 27th minute goal from Keating, set up by Tadgh O’Connell, and it looked like Ballincollig were in for a good half time lead. 

However, Kilworth had other ideas as points followed from Jamie Sheehan and Noel McNamara and in injury time Cormac Donnellan fired in a goal and Kilworth led 1-7 to 1-6 at the break.

Scores aplenty in the second half as the play opened up big time and after Steve Wills leveled the scores at 1-9 apiece in the 38th minute Ballincollig struck for their second goal when Conor Sexton put Dorgan clear and a real boost for the Muskerry men.

But again Kilworth failed to submit as the excellent Michael Sheehan found his shooting boots with four fine points, two frees, and with Donnellan kicking another they led 1-14 to 2-10 entering the final quarter.

Point for point in that final quarter, nothing separating the sides, real tough hurling, and it looked like extra time when Steve Wills levelled the game deep into injury time. 

But a last gasp attack resulted in Michael Sheehan being the toast of Kilworth, a point that broke Ballincollig’s hearts after an honest nights hurling.

Scorers for Kilworth: M. Sheehan 0-6 (0-3 frees), J. Sheehan 0-5, L. Whelan and N. McNamara 0-2 each, C. Donnellan 1-2, E. Carey 0-2.

Scorers for Ballincollig: C. Dorgan (0-2 frees, 0-1 65) 1-3, B. Keating 1-2 each, S. Wills 0-5 (0-2 frees), D. O’Sullivan (frees) and T. O’Connell 0-2 each, B. Coleman and A. Wills 0-1 each.

KILWORTH: C. Heggtveit; L. Carey, K. Lane, A. O’Hara; J.Saich, D. Twomey, M. Gowen; L. Whelan, E. Carey; J. Sheehan, N. McNamara, W. Condon; M. Sheehan, C. Donnellan, B. Sheehan.

Subs: R. Jordan for Saich (ht), L. Coffey for Donnellan (55m), P. Riordan for J. Sheehan (60+).

BALLINCOLLIG: J. Lenihan; R. O’ Donovan, C. Moore, F. Denny; D. O’Sullivan, C. O’Leary, B. Coleman; J. Dwyer, C. Sexton; S. O’ Neill,B. Keating, S.Wills; T. O’Connell, C. Dorgan, C. O’Driscoll.

Subs: C. O’Sullivan for Moore (42m), A. Wills for O’Driscoll (53m), P.Cooney for Dorgan (55m), B. Dore for O’Donovan (58m).

Referee: Niall O’Neill (Midleton).