Na Piarsaigh qualified for a 17th Whitebox Limerick Senior Hurling Championship semi-final in 18 seasons following a 2-21 to 2-18 victory over Ballybrown in Adare.
The result sees Ballybrown eliminated on scoring difference. Tied with Monaleen on the table and head-to-head, their -18 was inferior to the -15 of their cross-city rivals. In a super-tight championship, that is a margin which will sting the Clarina outfit.
This game was physical, fast and oozed quality. Goals from Peter Casey and David Dempsey looked to have Na Piarsaigh in a commanding first-half position, only for the lively Luke O’Connor to match that due with a goal either side of the interval.
Ballybrown have failed to defeat the Caherdavin side since 2016, the last time Na Piarsaigh failed to appear in the knockout stages.
A late burst to draw the game fell short, with Shane Dowling denying Andrew Cliffe from close range, late on. Had they tied the game up, Kilmallock’s late victory would have seen them progress.
9. Pat Fitzgerald and Charlie Barry watching Na Piarsaigh v Ballybrown in the County Senior Hurling Championship Group 1 Round 5
Brendan Gleeson
10. Shane Kenny and Dave Hogan watching Na Piarsaigh v Ballybrown in the County Senior Hurling Championship Group 1 Round 5
Brendan Gleeson
11. Tommy McDonald, Conor Shanhahan and James Bynres watching Na Piarsaigh v Ballybrown in the County Senior Hurling Championship Group 1 Round 5
Brendan Gleeson
12. Emily and Amelia Gavin with Ava Davis watching Na Piarsaigh v Ballybrown in the County Senior Hurling Championship Group 1 Round 5
Brendan Gleeson