Castlelyons rally against Inniscarra to seal SAHC semi-final berth

Castlelyons 2-18

Inniscarra 1-19

Castlelyons finished their group program in the Co-op Superstores Senior A Hurling Championship in pole position, as they defeated Inniscarra in their top of the table clash at Páirc Uí Rinn on Satrday. 

This result puts Castlelyons through to the semi-finals, while Inniscarra will meet Bride Rovers in the quarter finals.

Scoring opportunities were at a premium in the opening half as both sides resorted to defensive tactics, while the second half was more openly contested.

Darran Tobin opened the scoring for Castlelyons within seconds of the throw-in before Frank Horgan and Niall Buckley replied with a point each for Inniscarra.

Persistent fouling was proving to be costly for both sides as Alan Fenton slotted over two frees for the Imokilly side, while Joseph Enright also converted one for Inniscarra.

Enright tagged on a point from play before Inniscarra had Castlelyons pinned back. Inniscarra pointed four frees to one, before Buckley added his second point from play.

Keith O’Leary got the Imokilly side’s second point from play, which was followed by three unanswered points by Inniscarra, approaching the break. This left the scoreline reading 0-12 to 0-5 at the interval in Inniscarra’s favour.

Castlelyons raised their game for the second half as they slotted over four points without reply, before Daniel Murphy responded for the Muskerry side.

Tobin slotted over his second point from play and this was followed by the game’s opening goal by Fenton in the 49th minute, which put Castlelyons ahead by 1-11 to 0-13.

Points by Keith O’Leary and Shane Moroney extended the Imokilly side’s lead, before Enright replied for Inniscarra.

Niall O’Leary and Keith O’Leary each added further points for Castlelyons before Enright replied with a free for the Muskerry side.

Entering the final quarter, Shane Cotter set up David Morrison for the Imokilly side’s second goal. Niall O’Leary traded points with Inniscarra's Andrew McCarthy. Holland also pointed a free.

Five minutes from time, Holland got Inniscarra’s goal direct from a 20-metre free.

Scorers for Castlelyons: A Fenton 1-6 (1-4f); K O’Leary 0-6; D Morrison 1-0; D Tobin, N O’Leary 0-2 each; A Spillane, S Moroney 0-1 each.

Inniscarra: P Holland 1-4f; J Enright 0-6 (0-4f); N Buckley, D Murphy 0-2 each; F Horgan, D Murphy, S Sheehan, S O’Donoghue, A McCarthy 0-1 each.

Castlelyons: J Barry; S Moroney, C Barry, C McCarthy; D Spillane, C Spillane, N O’Leary; J Kearney, A Fenton; K O’Leary, L Doocey, S Cotter; A Spillane, D Tobin, D Morrison.

Subs: O Lenehan for Doocey (15, inj), E Maye for Tobin (48) Tobin for Lenehan (52)

Inniscarra: E O’Neill; D Keane, C O’Leary, l Ryan; B Daly, S O’Donoghue, C Dineen; J Enright, F Horgan; J Keane, S Sheehan, C Lynch; N Buckley, A McCarthy, P Holland.

Subs: D Murphy for Keane (15), M Nagle for D Murphy (41), S O’Mahony for Enright (52)

Referee: Niall Fahy (Brian Dillon’s).