Kilmallock prove too strong for Patrickswell in Limerick senior hurling championship

KILMALLOCK rounded off Group One of the Bon Secours Limerick senior hurling championship with a four-point, 0-23 to 1-16, victory over Patrickswell in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Sunday afternoon.

Inspired by Limerick star Shane O’Brien who chipped in with seven points, the Balbec bounced back to winning ways after falling to Na Piarsaigh in recent weeks.

Both sides had already qualified for the quarter-final stages of the championship prior to throw-in.

A late goal from Gavin Carey did little for Patrickswell, who lined out without Aaron Gillane, while team captain Cian Lynch was not used from the subs bench. Oisin O’Reilly and Benni Burke missed out for Kilmallock, who handed senior experience to Tom Savage and Sean Carroll, who came on as a substitute.

The winners were deserving of the points, leading from the seventh minute all the way to full-time.  In truth, this game lacked the suspense that a group closer might have, with both sides safely through to the last six, despite a mixed campaign so far. Patrickswell’s third defeat shows they have plenty to work on.

First half highlights were provided by a brace of fine Robbie Hanley points, while O’Brien was at his brilliant best when given the service. In reply, Diarmaid Byrnes and Jack Kelleher worked the umpires, while a smart bit of play from Jason Gillane saw him score from play. Kilmallock always had their opponents at arm’s length, while they had hard work from the returning Graeme Mulcahy and Savage, among others, which disrupted the Well launchpad from half-back.

At half-time, it was 0-13 to 0-10. Five points in nine minutes, without reply, pushed the points to Peter Queally’s men. Again, O’Brien and Hanley were on target while Michael Houlihan was accurate with frees.

These sides could yet meet in a county final, but both will know they will need another gear or two to reach the showpiece decider. The game possibly came at a loss for both, with Killian Hayes retiring with an ankle injury, while Jack Kelleher left prematurely for the Well.

Overall, without Gillane and Lynch, their attack lacked that potency, though sub Gavin Carey was sharp to a rebound after Evan Fitzgerald drew a great save from Barry Hennessy.

Queally was happy to have cast they eye more options, with Paudie O’Brien at full-back a seasons first his side. Both sides will hope to be playing with a stronger deck when they meet Monaleen or Ballybrown on the first weekend in October.

Scorers: Kilmallock: Shane O’Brien, Michael Houlihan (0-5 frees) 0-7 each; Robbie Hanley 0-3; Pierce Connery 0-2; Graeme Mulcahy, Paddy O’Loughlin, Conor Staunton, Tom Savage 0-1 each. Patrickswell: Jack Kelleher (0-2 frees), Diarmaid Byrnes (0-3 frees) 0-4 each; Kevin O’Brien, Patrick Kirby (0-2 frees) 0-3; Gavin Carey 1-0; Jason Gillane, Eoin Harmon 0-1 each. 

Kilmallock: Barry Hennessy (C); Liam English, Paudie O’Brien, Dan Joy; Robbie Hanley, Kevin O’Donnell, Paddy O’Loughlin; Killian Hayes, Michael Houlihan; Tom Savage, Pierce Connery, Gavin O’Mahoney; Graeme Mulcahy, Shane O’Brien, Phelim O’Reilly. Subs: Conor Staunton for Hayes (30+1 mins, inj); Conor Hanley Clarke for P O’Reilly (41 mins); Robbie Egan for O’Mahoney (43 mins); Sean Carroll for O’Donnell (47 mins).

Patrickswell: Jason Gillane; Kevlin Lynch, Cian Fitzgerald, Mark Carmody; Evan Fitzgerald, Diarmaid Byrnes, James Carrig; Tom O’Brien, John Kirby; Cian Gorman, Jack Kelleher, Kevin O’Brien; Patrick Kirby, Seanie O’Brien, Eoin Harmon. Subs: Josh Carey for Kelleher (40 mins – inj); Gavin Carey for S O’Brien (45).

Referee: Donnacha O’Callaghan (Feohanagh).