Eamonn Kelly: Patrickswell hooks, blocks and tackles were way up against Kilmallock

FINAL COUNTDOWN: Patrickswell manager Eamonn Kelly during the Limerick County Senior Club Hurling Championship semi-final. Photo by Tom Beary/Sportsfile

A quarter-final test proved perfect preparation for Patrickswell as manager Eamonn Kelly pointed to that fixture as an explanation for their superb semi-final showing.

Patrickswell are back in another Limerick SHC final after cruising past Kilmallock by ten-points in the Gaelic Grounds. It comes after they prevailed in a derby clash with Ballybrown earlier this month. 

They will meet back-to-back seeking Na Piarsaigh in the decider.

“They were (the favourites) and rightly so,” said Kelly post-match. “We were disappointed to have to qualify for the semi-final, but the advantage was playing a quarter, we’d be a bit fresher coming in terms of hurling.

"They are waiting three weeks for a game. That is the disadvantage. I think it worked in our favour that we had that game.

“We got a decent start; the goals came at the right times for us. When they were starting to come back, both times they were back to five and we got a goal.”

All their intercounty stars stood up. Diarmuid Byrnes was Man of the Match, Aaron Gillane struck 1-12 and Cian Lynch clipped three points yet there were significant contributions from elsewhere as well as The Well finished with ten different scorers.

“The three lads, their reputation speak for themselves. Aaron is captain. He is playing a captain’s part. Diarmuid was outstanding there. There are a lot of guys putting their hands up.

"We were down four or five guys with injuries this year and they have come back into the fold. It has made it competitive.”

In the end they peaked perfectly. Kelly knows the trick is to repeat it come October 28.

“Killmallock had wides at key times. It is great to see them going over for us and wide at the other side. A lot of that is down to the pressure our lads put on. I thought our work-rate was good today. 

"Looking at the scores from our stats men, our hooks, blocks and tackles was way up on what it has been the last while. That really helps put the opposition under pressure.

“No trophies are given out for winning semi-finals. It is about getting over the line. As a Tipperary man coming in here, it is an unbelievable championship in Limerick.

"Any team could beat you. We are delighted to be there. We have two weeks to make sure we leave no stone unturned.”