Eanna O'Hanlon goal sends Kilshannig past Newmarket into Junior A Hurling final

Kilshannig 1-17 Newmarket 0-17 

Kilshannig had enough character to deal with a strong second-half response from Newmarket in a highly entertaining JAHC semi-final at Kanturk. 

The Avondhu champions emerged much more clinical and availed of an early purple patch highlighted by a second-minute goal from Eanna O’Hanlon that ultimately divided the sides. Having lost a dramatic county final in 2022 to Erin's Own after extra time in a replay, Kilshannig took a step closer towards a historic first Junior A hurling title, where they will face Ballinora or Cobh.

A breeze-assisted Kilshannig pointed through Paddy Walsh before O’Hanlon sliced the Newmarket defence open to shoot a smashing goal. Kilshannig looked sharp and focused, drawing a positive response from the key contributions of Colm O’Shea, Bill Curtin, Kieran Twomey and Darragh O’Sullivan.

The accurate Walsh added three points from placed balls. A nervous-looking Newmarket waited until the ninth minute to open their account thanks to a Donal Hannon free. 

However, Kilshannig's Jack Kearney and Jack Twomey recorded three points in quick succession. Kearney exited the proceedings owing to injury before Hannon added a pair of points for Newmarket to trail 1-7 to 0-3. 

Steadily, Newmarket improved as Cian Crowley and Conor O’Keeffe found their range. Kilshannig responded with points from O’Sullivan, Walsh and a massive effort from Kieran Twomey to secure a 1-11 to 0-8 advantage at the break.

On the restart, Newmarket raised the tempo, greatly encouraged by a terrific point by Hugh O’Connor, close to the sideline. Favoured by the breeze, Newmarket operated with huge energy and added to their tally thanks to Ryan O’Keeffe and O’Connor.

The Kilshannig attack saw a greatly reduced supply, their only point in the third quarter arrived through Walsh for a narrow 1-12 to 0-13 advantage. With Newmarket penalised for handling errors, the efficient Walsh proceeded to add two more frees.

At times, Newmarket’s shooting lacked composure with a run of wides from both play and frees. That contrasted with Jack Twomey delivering a tidy Kilshannig point. To Newmarket’s credit, they refused to be ruffled, O’Connor and Hannon raising white flags to leave three between the sides.

That made for excitement during the latter stages. Eanna O’Hanlon added a point for Kilshannig. Newmarket remained in hot pursuit. 

Conor O’Keeffe bisected the uprights yet Kilshannig saw out the closing stages to secure a ticket to their second county final in three years.

Scorers for Kilshannig: P Walsh 0-8 (0-7 f), E O’Hanlon 1-2, J Kearney, K Twomey (0-1 f), J Twomey 0-2 each, D O’Sullivan 0-1.

Newmarket: D Hannon 0-5 f, H O’Connor 0-4 (0-3 f), R Lynn 0-4, C O’Keeffe 0-2, C Crowley, R O’Keeffe 0-1 each.

KILSHANNIG: D Kearney, D Guinee, C O’Shea, C Murphy; E Burke, B Curtin, K Twomey; Darragh O’Sullivan, D Murphy; P Walsh, E O’Hanlon, J Kearney; C Ruby, J Twomey, K O’Hanlon. 

Subs: Diarmuid O’Sullivan for J Kearney (20 inj), R Crowley for C Ruby (42).

NEWMARKET: B Newman; P Allen, A Browne, J O’Connor; A Ryan, M Browne, J O’Keeffe; H O’Connor, K O’Sullivan; C O’Keeffe, D Hannon, C Crowley; R Lynn, B O’Connor, R O’Keeffe. 

Subs: C Browne for B O’Connor (40), M Cottrell for K O’Sullivan (52), P Browne for J O’Connor (55).

Referee: Pat Lyons (Bishopstown).