Kilkenny SHC: Kerryman Mackessy stars as O'Loughlin Gaels power past Bennettsbridge

The defending champions are through to the final in a fortnight. 

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS: Paddy Deegan of O'Loughlin Gaels. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Kilkenny SHC semi-final: O’Loughlin Gaels 2-17 Bennettsbridge 1-14 

Defending champions O’Loughlin Gaels eased into the Kilkenny SHC Final after they claimed a six point victory over Bennettsbridge in what was a disappointing county semi-final overall.

Goals in each half from Fionan Mackessy who again stood out with 1-7 in total and sub Sammy Johnston had Brian Hogan’s side in control and while Kilkenny star David Blanchfield got a late goal for Bennettsbridge, it arrived much too late to impact the final result.

O’Loughlin’s came into the game without the suspended Mikey Butler and Mark Bergin after both their red cards were upheld from the victory over Dicksboro a week ago but their loss didn’t unduly affect the winners.

It was a scrappy opening half’s fare with the first score not arriving until the seventh minute via Hugh O’Neill for Bennettsbridge and it was the 2018 beaten county finalists who looked the brighter to begin with as they held a 0-6 to 0-4 advantage after 20 minutes with Nicky Cleere, James Hughes and Sean Morrissey standing out for the challengers.

The whole tone of the game completely changed when Fionan Mackessy caught Bennettsbridge off guard when firing a 21 yard free into the bottom corner and when Conor Heary, Conor Kelly and Paddy Deegan followed up with points and they led 1-9 to 0-7 at the break.

Nicky Cleere got the first two points of the second half for the Bridge but a possible comeback never materialised with O’Loughlins staying ahead until Sammy Johnston’s goal put the game beyond doubt five minutes from time.

Jamie Ryan followed up with his fourth point from play in a man of the match display and at that stage, O’Loughlins were home and dry as they led 2-16 to 1-13.

David Blanchfield moved into full forward late on after his brother Liam was substituted and he netted to put a bit of respectability on the scoreboard but it was Loughlins' day and they move into the final in two weeks time in great form.

Scorers for O’Loughlin Gaels: F Mackessy (1-7, 0-7 frees); J Ryan (0-4); S Johnston (1-0); D Fogarty, P Deegan, J Nolan, O Wall, C Heary, C Kelly (0-1 each) 

Scorers for Bennettsbridge: N Cleere (0-6, 0-3 frees and 0-1 ‘65); D Blanchfield (1-0); S Morrissey (0-3); T Kelly, H O’Neill, K Blanchfield, J Cleere, J Hughes (0-1 each) 

O'LOUGHLIN GAELS: S Murphy; T Forristal, H Lawlor, R Buckley; D Fogarty, P Deegan, J Molloy; J Ryan, J Nolan; C Kelly, O Wall, F Mackessy; S Bolger, L Hogan, C Heary. 

Subs: E O’Shea for Hogan (31), S Johnston for Bolger (49), P Butler for Nolan (56), J Young for Molloy (59).

BENNETTSBRIDGE: E Cleere; T Kelly, E Morrissey, S Byrne; B Hughes, D Blanchfield, C Murphy; H O’Neill, K Blanchfield; N Cleere, J Cleere, J Hughes; C Brennan, L Blanchfield, S Morrissey. 

Subs: J Campion for Brennan (42), D Murphy for O’Neill (47), R Lennon for L Blanchfield (54).

Referee: Conor Everard (Graigue Ballycallan)