Dromin-Athlacca win thriller to reach Munster club hurling final

GAA Coverage in association with Lyons of Limerick Ford

DROMIN-ATHLACCA secured a superb Munster Intermediate Championship victory in Kilmallock, overcoming Clare’s Premier Intermediate champions Clarecastle 1-20 to 0-22.

In a fiercely contested encounter, the south Limerick side showed composure, quality and resilience when it mattered most – as the Magpies will rue a wasteful hour compared to Dromin Athlacca’s efficiency in attack.

Inspired by another outstanding display from David Reidy, who finished with 10 points, and a decisive contribution from Jack Fitzgibbon, whose first-half goal proved pivotal, James Kennedy’s men held off a late Clarecastle rally to book their place in the next round.

The visitors began sharper, registering four of the opening five points. James Doherty contributed an early brace, while Aaron Hayes also found the target from distance. Tadhg Boddy got the scoreboard moving for Dromin Athlacca, but the Limerick champions initially struggled to contain their opponents.

However, Reidy soon began to exert his influence. His accuracy from placed balls, and his top class workrate brought others with him into this battle. Cian and Daniel Scully helped Dromin Athlacca establish themselves after a disjointed start.

Fitzgibbon also added a point before producing the moment that would ultimately define the afternoon.

In the 14th minute, the forward delivered a superb finish to the net. Having collected possession close to goal, Fitzgibbon was allowed advantage following a high challenge from Eoghan Wallace. He showed excellent composure to turn onto his opposite side before unleashing an unstoppable shot high into the net from a narrowing angle.

It handed Dromin-Athlacca their first lead of the afternoon, and although Clarecastle continued to threaten, they would only move ahead once more. The Limerick side carried a slender 1-10 to 0-12 advantage into the interval, despite late points from Cian Galvin and Colin Brigdale.

The second half was an equally competitive affair. Clarecastle briefly regained the advantage through Cian Galvin and James Doherty, but Dromin Athlacca responded impressively. Reidy, Cian Scully and Shane Fitzgibbon all registered important scores as the blue and white restored their advantage.

As the game entered its closing stages, Clarecastle's inability to convert their opportunities began to prove costly. Ten wides, alongside several efforts gathered assuredly by Dromin Athlacca goalkeeper Robbie Breen, left the Banner outfit frustrated.

David Breen added an important point five minutes from time, while Reidy continued his display with a second from play, as well as points from a 65 and a free in the final quarter.

Clarecastle threw everything forward in the closing moments, with Paul O’Connell and Galvin adding late frees to make it a one point game. But Dromin Athlacca refused to surrender their advantage.

Even after almost four minutes of additional time, the south Limerick men stood firm. When Robbie Breen batted away one final Clarecastle effort, the referee's whistle followed almost immediately, confirming a significant Munster victory for Dromin Athlacca.

Having suffered a narrow defeat to Corofin at this stage in 2023, the Limerick champions have now taken another important step forward on the provincial stage. Their reward is a place in the provincial final against St Mary's on Sunday, November 29.

The Tipperary outfit had a comfortable win over Abbeydorney.

SCORERS - DROMIN-ATHLACCA: David Reidy 0-10 (7f, 1 ‘65); Jack Fitzgibbon 1-3; Cian Scully 0-3; David Breen 0-2; Shane Fitzgibbon and Tadhg Boddy 0-1 each.

CLARECASTLE: Cian Galvin (4f, 1 ‘65) and Paul O’Connell (4f) 0-6 each; James Doherty 0-4; Harry Doherty 0-2; Aaron Hayes, Conor Whelan, Colin Brigdale and Conor Ralph 0-1 each.

DROMIN-ATHLACCA: Robbie Breen; Shane Scully, William Dore, Seán Morrissey; Shane Fitzgibbon, Michael Reidy, Cian Scully; Patrick O’Donoghue, David Reidy; David Griffin, Tadhg Boddy, Daniel Scully; Seanie O’Leary, David Breen, Jack Fitzgibbon.

Subs: Mikey Quaid for S Scully (47 mins); Peter Ryan for O’Donoghue (56 mins).

CLARECASTLE: Cian Broderick; Aaron Hayes, Darragh Healy, Stephen O’Halloran; Colin Brigdale, Cian Galvin, Eoghan Wallace; Conor Whelan, Lee Brack; Harry Doherty, Conor Halpin, Rory O’Connell; Oisin Whelan, James Doherty, Paul O’Connell.

Subs: Conor Ralph for O’Connell (h-t); David Tuohy for Wallace (h-t); Evan Price for Brack (45 mins).

Referee: Ciaran O’Donovan (Tipperary)