Killavullen hurlers squeeze past Killeagh to reach Junior A county final
Killavullen's Colm O'Mahony and Killeagh's George Walsh-Wallace tussle for the sliothar during the Co-Op Superstores County JAHC semi final at Rathcormac . Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Killavullen are through to the final of the Co-Op Superstore Cork JAHC after a fine display at Rathcormac on Sunday afternoon.
This was a captivating battle throughout. But it ultimately was Killavullen who came out on top to keep their County Championship dreams alive.
During the opening half of action in this contest, Killavullen, who made history recently by securing their first Avondhu JAHC title, got the opening score of this game thanks to a Eddie Cotter point which was followed up by a free by Jamie Magner.
This was then added to for Killavullen by Colm O Mahony and Liam Fox points in what was a promising opening spell East Cork champions Killeagh opened their scoring through points by Dan Walsh and Keane Budds, as Killavullen led 0-6 to 0-3 after 15 minutes.
However, Killavullen then struck for the back of the net on 16 minutes. Michael Cagney applied the finishing touches on the rebound following an initial strike by Cotter which was saved impressively by Killeagh goalkeeper Fionn Murphy.
A point by Padraig Looney saw Killavullen maintain their firm lead. But Killeagh reduced the deficit down to four points at half time, as Dan Walsh slotted over further scores including a fine point from play.
The impressive Walsh got another early second-half point for Killeagh to leave just three points between the sides.
The Killeagh tide was growing and by the 45th minute, they were on level terms as Dan Walsh landed over another score.
Killavullen then got a much-needed score to go back ahead courtesy of an Eddie Cotter point.
Indeed, Killavullen found a second lease of life as further points subsequently followed through Colm O’Mahony and Jamie Magner, as they led 1-11 to 0-10 after 49 minutes played.
Further points by Jamie Magner, added to a score by his namesake Owen, saw Killavullen extend their lead out to six points on 54 minutes.
Killeagh refused to go away and there were just three points between the teams heading into second-half stoppage time when Dan Walsh, Ben Walsh and Darragh Motherway all scored.
But Killavullen put the seal on a four-point victory late on courtesy of a pointed free by Jamie Magner and spark joyous scenes of celebration.
Awaiting in the decider for Killavullen will be Tracton, who emerged as the victors from the other semi-final contest against Ballinora.
The Killavullen momentum keeps on growing and they will be eagerly looking to take the one last step to County Championship glory.
J Magner 0-7 (0-5 f, 0-1 65), C O’Mahony 0-4, M Cagney 1-0, E Cotter 0-2, L Fox, O Magner 0-1 each.
D Walsh 0-9 (0-7 f), B Walsh, D Motherway 0-2 each, K Budds 0-1.
C Cremin; F Magner, E Buckley, E Birchall; B Cotter, L Cronin, P O’Sullivan; M Cagney, J Magner; M O’Connor, L Fox, E Cotter; C O’Mahony, P O’Grady, P Looney.
D O’Grady for O’Connor (40), O Magner for Cagney (49).
F Murphy; A Morrison, G Walsh Wallace, P Leahy; D O’Brien, C Fitzgibbon, R Treacy; Ben Walsh, M Fitzgerald; M Murphy, K Budds, D Walsh; D Kelleher, D Motherway, S Meade.
P Mackey for Murphy (36), D Landers for Kelleher (40).
Mark Maher (St Finbarr’s)
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