Sharper Lismire pull away from Kilbrin to reach Duhallow JAFC semi final

(Heroics of ‘keeper Field inspires his side to victory) 

Lismire 4-8

Kilbrin 2-9 

A telling surge in the second half allowed Lismire to pull away from Kilbrin in a winner takes all Ashgrove Renewables Duhallow JAFC Group 2 encounter at Castlemagner.

In simple terms, it all boiled down to Lismire gaining a better return from attack highlighted on a pair of goals in each half.

Those concessions left Kilbrin with a huge uphill task, they battled away yet they missed out on terrific opportunities that surfaced in the opening half. 

Indeed, Lismire were relieved to hear the interval whistle with the sides deadlocked in a low scoring 30 minutes.

Coming up to the break, Kilbrin delivered a series of raids that came close to goals only to be repelled by brilliant saves from Lismire ‘keeper Cathal Field. 

Scores were a premium for much of the first half, the sides traded early points to Conor Noonan and Eoin Sheahan.

A breakthrough for Lismire saw Jack Sheahan goal, though Niall Field answered with a Kilbrin point, Noonan added a second Lismire goal. 

Kilbrin stepped up the intensity, Eoin Sheahan netted before Sheahan and William Hefferan were thwarted by brilliant saves from Lismire custodianField that allowed Lismire happy to remain deadlocked at the break 2-1 to 1-4.

Lismire returned more energised, Kanturk Premier Senior Hurlers Conor Noonan and Rory Sheahan led the way, well supported by Cian O’Sullivan and Oisín O’Connor. 

A spell of concerted pressure paid dividends, a blaster from O’Connor took a deflection for a goal to push his side six points clear.

Kilbrin replied on points to Eoin Sheahan and Mark Field only to be erased by likewise scores from Damien Finn and Conor Sheahan at the opposite end. 

Credit Kilbrin in their attempts to salvage the game, a Sheahan goal reduced the deficit 3-6 to 2-7.

Sensing danger, Lismire upped the gears again, good work by Conor Noonan placed substitute Darragh O’Keeffe to net a fourth goal to confirm a position in the penultimate hurdle.

Elsewhere Lyre overcame Knocknagree 0-21 to 0-8 with Ballydesond bettering Kanturk 2-11 to 1-6. 

The semi final pairings are holders Castlemagner play Lismire and Ballydesmond face Lyre.

Scorers for Lismire: C Noonan 1-1, J Sheahan 1-0, O O’Connor 1-0, D O’Keeffe 1-0, D Finn 0-2 (1f), D O’Sullivan 0-2, R Sheahan, C Sheahan, C O’Sullivan 0-1 each.

Kilbrin: E Sheahan 2-4 (3f), N Field 0-2, A Lynch 0-2 f, M Field 0-1.

LISMIRE: C Field; P Duggan, S McSweeney, S Bourke; C O’Sullivan, C Sheahan, E Hayes; R Sheahan, O O’Connor; J Enright, C Noonan, D Finn; D O’Sullivan, M McSweeney, J Sheahan. 

Subs: D O’Keeffe for J Sheahan, J Lawlor for J Enright.

KILBRIN: D Daly; R O’Leary, T O’Brien, R Heffernan; Maoiliosa O’Brien, B O’Mahony, Maoilmhuire O’Brien; F O’Connor, S O’Riordan; J Harrington, N Field, C Harrington; E Sheahan, A Lynch, W Heffernan. 

Sub: M Field for W Heffernan.

Referee: Adrian O’Connor (St. John’s).