Ballylanders outlast Ballysteen to secure SFC final berth

Ballyalnders’s reached a second Limerick SFC fina in three years as they beat Ballysteen 1-12 to 0-9 in Newcastle West today.

They will face either Adare or Galbally who meet later today in the other semi-final in Kilmallock.

Ballylanders got out of the blocks the quicker but it would be Mark Ranahan who would get the first score of the game through a free.

Jimmy Barry Murphy would reply for his side but two more placed balls for Ranahan had the West side 0-3 to 0-1 ahead at the first water break.

A pair of Barry Murphy frees would bring his side level shortly after the restart with his fourth pushing his side ahead.

Ranahan would level once more but Barry Murphy would get the final score of the half as his side lead 0-5 to 0-4 with seven of the nine scores coming from placed balls.

As he did in the first, Ranahan was the first off the mark in the second half but Ballylanders reply was immediate.

The gap was just one approaching the final water break before Ballylanders hit a purple patch.

Ciaran Kelly kicked his first of the day just prior to the break before Barry Murphy extended the lead to 0-9 to 0-6.

Then Danny Frewen would strike for goal to give the South team a six point cushion.

Ballysteen had the next score, Ranahan again from a free but Ballylanders would again restore their six point lead.

Ballysteen battled for a goal but Ballylanders to their credit held out well to secure a deserved win.

They move into the final looking for a fifth ever title with their last coming in 2014.