Limerick SFC: Kildimo-Pallaskenry and Monaleen reach semis

In Rathkeale, Declan Nash’s Kildimo Pallaskenry were inspired by Kyle Hayes, to a 1-16 to 1-11 success. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Kildimo-Pallaskenry pulled off one of the biggest shocks in recent times in the Limerick SFC, when swatting aside the 2021-2023 three-in-a-row Newcastle West on Saturday evening.

It will be a maiden senior semi-final for the winners, where they will meet champions Mungret St. Paul’s. On the other side of the draw, Monaleen snatched a two-point win, thanks to a stoppage time goal from captain Darragh Murray. They will meet many people’s favourites, Fr. Casey’s in the last four.

In Rathkeale, Declan Nash’s Kildimo Pallaskenry were inspired by Kyle Hayes, to a 1-16 to 1-11 success.

It was the All-Star Hurling nominees first football appearance of the season and his influence, under kickouts, complimented the scoring of Cathal Downes and Peter Nash.

That duo combined for 0-11 of their scores, with Downes’ three two-pointers all coming from frees. The goal, nearing the three-quarter mark, came from Conor Staff. Leading by ten down the stretch, the men in blue could afford to concede a late Iain Corbett goal, with the former Limerick captain only fit enough to play the final third of the contest.

Leading from the seventh minute to full-time, the influence of coach Peter Lavin was evident from a club who suffered relegation from the senior grade in hurling just two weeks ago. Lavin looks set to be part of Michaél Cahill’s Limerick ticket for 2027.

Five behind at half-time, Declan Brouder’s men rallied, with Shane Stack and two from Eoin Hurley pulling them to within two points. However, Downes’ free taking was top class, his two and Staff’s close-range goal saw them move seven clear.

Peter Nash and a two-pointer from Gary Sheehan helped them to victory. Soul searching will begin for Newcastle West, who have won the Fr. Casey Cup five times since 2015, and reached another two finals.

Earlier in the day, there was greater drama, as Darragh Murray found the net with the final act for Monaleen.

The City side qualified for the last four in the most dramatic fashion, as their captain pounced for the winning goal, five minutes into stoppage time, as they got the better of Rathkeale, 3-6 to 0-13.

Deadlocked 0-5 each at half-time, the game went through the gears in the second half. Murray and Andrew White had been central in the opening half from frees, while Mark Torpey and later Josh O’Connor traded points from play. It was O’Connor who raised an orange flag to tie the contest.

The second half was defined by goals. Two game from the fist of Steven Kiely, who punched dropping shots to the net. He also added a point but the likes of Eoin O’Donnell and Andrew White kept the westerners in touch.

Trailing three when Kiely found his second goal, Barry Coleman curled over a two-point free, and Andrew Meade tied proceedings early in stoppage time.

A certain breach from Rathkeale was missed by officials which allowed sub-Niall Sheehan give Rathkeale a first lead. However, there was time for another twist.

Looking to work a point, or even two, Monaleen found Niall Loughran, whose shot fell short to Murray, who collected, spun and drilled to the corner. This with almost five minutes of additional time.

Rathkeale questioned the five additional minutes, however, they will be left frustrated by three carbon copy goals that were largely their undoing.

The first of the relegation semi-finals also took place on Saturday, St. Kieran’s got the better of Ballylanders, 1-13 to 0-11.

The second of those ties takes place on Sunday, with Askeaton-Ballysteen-Kilcornan meeting Oola. The loser will meet Ballylanders in the relegation final, later this month.