Kilmallock bench bounce maintains last four status quo

Shane O'Brien, Kilmallock and Colin Coughlan, Ballybrown reach for the sliotar in the SHC quarter final. Picture Brendan Gleeson

Limerick SHC quarter-final: Kilmallock 1-22 Ballybrown 2-17 

A combination of Conor Hanley Clarke and Shane O’Brien ensured there was to be no shock as Kilmallock eventually saw off a stubborn Ballybrown to set up a semi-final clash with Na Piarsaigh. It means the same quartet contest the Limerick SHC last four for the seventh time in eight seasons.

The winners had to wrestle back control, with Hanley-Clarke’s five points from the bench helping to see off the plucky Clarina side. Indeed, Ballybrown didn’t give up the game, with Barry O’Connor’s stoppage time goal answered by Shane O’Brien who continued his red-hot form.

Perhaps little was expected from the city side, who came from the lower tier, but as Monaleen had proven, there was plenty chance of upsetting the status quo. They were led by Aidan O’Connor but their failure to build on Bryan Griffin’s superbly taken kicked goal saw them defeated at this stage for the second season in a row.

A bright Kilmallock start saw them score the opening three points, O’Brien with two while he was fouled for the third. Michaél Houlihan struggled on placed balls but Hanley-Clarke was there to take over when the need was greatest.

A run of 0-6 to 0-1 saw Ballybrown into a groove. O’Connor, and his namesake Luke on target, while Lee Doolan and Ross Kenny were also on target after some decent passing.

However, Graeme Mulcahy and Houlihan ensured a 0-10 to 0-9 interval lead for the Balbec. A route-one Ballybrown had the game's first goal chance late in the half, Griffin pulling on a bouncing ball only to see it fly over.

The same player would make no mistake when turning and kicking expertly to the top corner for a 1-9 to 0-12 game after 35 minutes. Four of the next five points came from Aidan O’Connor but Queally trusted his bench.

Oisin O’Reilly and Hanley Clarke came in, the pair turned the screw. Hanley Clarke, a 65 and free, moved them to just a point in arrears, before O’Reilly ghosted through to lay off to O’Brien who buried.

Ballybrown had just lost keeper Josh O’Reilly through injury and their shape began to go. Another three Kilmallock points gave them near dominance but Luke O’Connor and his brother Barry insured a nervy last minute.

Barry found the net deep into nearly eight minutes of added time. However, O’Brien gathered up the long puck out to fire over the final score of a pulsating contest.

The winners will bid to deny the county champions next Sunday, with Patrickswell facing Doon in the earlier of the semi-finals.

Scorers for Kilmallock: S O’Brien 1-5; C Hanley Clarke 0-5 (0-2 frees, 0-1 ’65); G Mulcahy 0-4; M Houlihan 0-3 (frees); P Connery 0-2; P O’Reilly, O O’Reilly 0-1 each.

Scorers for Ballybrown: A O’Connor 0-8 (0-4 frees, 0-1 ’65); B Griffin 1-2; L O’Connor 0-4; B O’Connor 1-0; R Kenny 0-2. L Doolan 0-1.

KILMALLOCK: B Hennessy (C); L English, A Costelloe, D Joy; P O’Brien, K O’Donnell, P O’Loughlin; R Hanley, M Houlihan; P Connery, G Mulcahy, T Savage; G O’Mahony, S O’Brien, P O’Reilly.

Subs: C Staunton for P O’Brien (inj – half-time); O O’Reilly for Savage; C Hanley Clarke for O’Mahony (both 40 mins); R Egan for Connery (55).

BALLYBROWN: J O’Reilly; N Quinn, C Coughlan, K Punch; T O’Connor, K Power, R Griffin; L Doolan, K Gavin; R Kenny, B Griffin, L O’Connor; B Adams, A O’Connor, A Cliffe (C).

Subs: B O’Connor for Cliffe (44); C O’Neill for O’Reilly (inj – 47).

Referee: Johnny Murphy (Glenroe)