Killeagh survive in Senior A Hurling despite Kilworth fightback

Killeagh 3-18 Kilworth 2-20 
A BRACE of goals from the penalty spot in either half from Ryan McCarthy were pivotal in preserving Killeagh’s Senior A Hurling status.

Killeagh held off a late onslaught from a gallant Kilworth team who will now ply their trade in the Premier Intermediate ranks next year. A brilliant display from centre-forward Eoghan Keniry was also vital for Killeagh, who conceded a late goal but held out.

Killeagh started brightly with Keniry scoring 1-1 in the opening three minutes. Kilworth, with Eoin Carey excelling, quickly reduced the deficit to two points. Killeagh then scored 1-5 without reply in eight minutes which moved them 10 clear.

Kilworth finished the opening half strongly. They received a major boost in the 27th minute when Jamie Sheehan netted after a powerful drive. A late point from James McCarthy reduced the deficit to two points at the break: 2-9 to 1-10.

The second half was played in a similar vein. The tempo was ferocious. Both sides continued to trade scores. Killeagh netted their third goal in the 37th minute when Ryan McCarthy converted his second penalty. This moved his side five points clear.

Kilworth kept battling. A flurry of scores from Noel McNamara and Eoin Carey reduced the arrears to one point after 56 minutes. This set up an intriguing finale. The tension was palpable. Keniry displayed his class with a brace of points. Gary Leahy added another point which moved his side four points clear in injury time. Kilworth netted a dramatic late goal through Brian Sheehan.

Killeagh held firm however to secure a crucial win.

Scorers for Killeagh: E Keniry 1-12 (0-1 65, 0-5f), R McCarthy 2-0 pen, G Leahy 0-2, K Murphy, K Treacy, P O’Neill, A Walsh 0-1 each.

Scorers for Kilworth: N McNamara 0-7 f, E Carey 0-6, B Sheehan 1-1, J Sheehan 1-0, L Whelan 0-2, J McCarthy 0-2, J Saich (sl), K Walsh (f) 0-1 each.

KILLEAGH: B Barry; A Keniry, C Coughlan, D Hogan; K Murphy, C Fogarty, D Walsh; A Walsh, S Long; P O’Neill, E Keniry, K Treacy; G Leahy, D Landers, R McCarthy.

Subs: K Lane for P O’Neill (49), D Motherway for D Landers (52), S Walsh for R McCarthy (56).

KILWORTH: K Walsh; M McNamara, N Byrne, A O’Hara; D Twomey, E McGrath, M O’Connor; J McCarthy, J Saich; E Carey, L Whelan, W Condon; J Sheehan, N McNamara, B Sheehan.

Subs: P Moakley for M O’Connor (22), M O’Connor for P Moakley (30), M Sheehan for J Sheehan (44), P Moakley for D Twomey (43), B Tobin for J Saich (53).

Referee: Colm Lyons (Nemo Rangers).