Kildimo-Pallaskenry celebrate Limerick junior 'B' hurling final win over Ballybrown

KILDIMO-PALLASKENRY are Woodlands House Hotel Limerick Junior B hurling champions. In a thrilling sixty-plus minutes of hurling, they eclipsed neighbours Ballybrown by just two points, 2-13 to 1-14, in front of a passionate following for both clubs at Drumgoole Park, Caherdavin on Sunday night.

The victory was hard fought, as despite the dry and calm conditions, the softening winter ground made the play slow at time. In the end, Kildimo Pallaskenry did enough and took their chances, something which Ballybrown didn’t, especially in the second half. This game also doubled up as the City final, having been deferred earlier in the autumn.

In a game of fine margins, two goalmouth scrambles at one end saw John Chawke's goal remain impenetrable during the second half, while at the other end, Aaron O’Donovan just about finished from close range for the game defining green flag.

It is a first Junior B crown for Kildimo-Pallaskenry, with the side captained by the impressive Cian Hayes. His three second half points were exactly what was needed with scores seemingly at a premium.

There were two points between the sides at half-time, the Clarina side leading 1-8 to 1-6. However, Ballybrown were behind following Roger Ryan’s 12th minute goal, before going on their best scoring run of the contest.

An impressive 1-4 without reply put them in the driving seat, with Ethan Keyes burying to the net after a wonderful take and pass from Mikey Davoren. Add to this, points from David Hall and a superb Rob O’Brien sideline cut for a three point lead.

However, O’Donovan steadied Brendan O’Shea’s men with two late frees, which sandwiched a David Hartnett effort.

Paul O’Neill expertly picked the pocket of Chawke, but from a tight angle, but saw his effort bounce away off the butt of the post.

Veteran Chawke was celebrating along with his teammates a few minutes later when they forged ahead, and from here they didn’t lose the advantage. After Luke Guinane and Hayes scored points, O’Donovan raced through to finish at the second attempt.

Ballybrown were always chasing and late scores from David Hall cut the gap, but it was his effort which was saved by Chawke that decided the game. Saving a fine effort, the veteran shotstopper scrambled the rebound clear with sub James Hall inches away from profiting.

It is consecutive final losses for Ballybrown at the grade, while Kildimo-Pallaskenry progress to the Munster Junior B hurling championship, hosted by Killeedy.

SCORERS: Kildimo Pallaskenry: Aaron O’Donovan 1-6 (0-4f, 0-2 ’65); Roger Ryan 1-0; Cian Hayes 0-3; Luke Guinane 0-2; Ruairi Maher, Marc O’Shea 0-1 each. Ballybrown: David Hall 0-7 (0-5f); Ethan Keyes 1-3; David Hartnett (free), Mikey Davoren, Peter O’Rourke, Rob O’Brien (sideline) 0-1 each.

KILDIMO-PALLASKENRY: John Chawke; Seamus Stokes, Evan Considine, Ciaran Downes; Matthew Lucey, Kevin O’Connell, Calum Coughlan; Marc O’Shea, Luke Guinane; Keel Moloney, Cian Hayes (Capt), Conor McMahon; Roger Ryan, Ruairi Maher, Aaron O’Donovan. Sub: Gary Sheehan for C Downes (injured, 24 mins).

BALLYBROWN: Barry Twomey; Cian McGregor, Lee O’Reilly, Mark Sheahan; Jamie Behan, David Hartnett, Robert O’Brien; Mikey Kiely Seán Healy (C); Peter O’Rourke, David Hall, Ethan Keyes; Bobby Smith, Mike Davoren, Paul O’Neill. Sub: James Hall for Smith (47 mins).

REFEREE: Declan O’Driscoll (Ballinacurra Gaels)