Croagh-Kilfinny ease past Feohanagh-Castlemahon to reach Limerick intermediate hurling final

CROAGH-KILFINNY are back in the final of the Nick Greene Sportsgrounds Intermediate Hurling Championship after a convincing 3-14 to 0-15 victory over West Limerick rivals Feohanagh-Castlemahon in their semi-final clash at Newcastle West on Sunday. 

Croagh-Kilfinny will now face Bruree in the county decider following their 1-20 to 1-17 semi-final win over Murroe-Boher at Fedamore on Saturday.

It was a gritty opening five minutes, but Croagh-Kilfinny were first to make progress on the scoreboard through a pair of Cian O’Carroll frees.

A well-taken Conor Lenihan point and two further placed balls from O’Carroll had Croagh four points to the good after 11 minutes. Jamie Butler nailed a brilliant sideline cut to bring the defecit back to three points before Seamus O’Carroll stormed in from the 20-metre line to bury the ball in the Feohanagh net after 15 minutes.

O’Carroll hit another free before a trio of Jack Kenny points closed out the half for Feohanagh. Croagh-Kilfinny led 1-9 to 0-6 at half-time.

Brian Hannon made sure Croagh enjoyed a fast start to the second period. It was quickly turning into a placed ball masterclass from Jack Kenny who nailed two '65’s and two frees in a five minute period to stage a mini revival for his side.

Jack Condon landed a wonderful point off the left before Kenny reduced the gap to three after 47 minutes. With their attacking unit beginning to malfunction slightly, Croagh were eager for goals. Luckily they have to luxury of calling on a former All Star in Seamus Hickey to provide them.

Hickey pounced on a rebound after 49 minutes before finishing to the bottom left just 60 seconds later and with that Feohanagh's hopes were burst in an instant. Kenny hit another hat trick of frees in reply but it was all in vain as Croagh-Kilfinny emerged victorious by eight points, 3-14 to 0-15.

SCORERS: Croagh-Kilfinny: Cian O Carroll 0-7(0-6 frees), Seamus Hickey 2-0, Seamus O’Carroll 1-3, Brian Hannon, Conor Lenihan 0-2 each. Feohanagh-Castlemahon: Jack Kenny 0-12 (0-8 frees, 0-2 65’), Jack Condon, Seamus Flanagan, Jamie Butler 0-1 each.