Champions Na Piarsaigh into final after late revival against Kilmallock

Na Piarsaigh 1-16
Kilmallock 0-18

By Tom Clancy in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale

Champions Na Piarsaigh are back into another Limerick SHC decider, after eventually squeezing beyond Kilmallock. There is no doubt that that three-in-a-row chasing city side were not at their best, but the Balbec will have regrets, having led for over 50 minutes of this enthralling clash.

There was plenty of talking points from this contest, Shane O’Brien well shackled by Na Piarsaigh, Ronan Lynch’s shock goal and the staying power of the Caherdavin men.

The proverbial kitchen sink was thrown at Shane O’Neill’s men in the opening half, but despite clearly being second best against a slight breeze, they only trailed by four points at the change of ends. Kilmallock 0-11, Na Piarsaigh 0-7.

The opening half was defined by scores from Conor Hanley Clarke and Pierce Connery, while the highlights for Na Piarsaigh came from Ronan Lynch (frees) and JJ Carey. The elusive Carey got their only two points from play in the first half.

The packed stand at Mick Neville Park were treated to a plethora of rucks, blocks, hooks and turnovers as the physicality on display eclipsed the majority of the shadow boxing endured during the group phase.

Na Piarsaigh chipped away, with a first from Lynch from play, adding to an earlier point from half-time sub, Adrian Breen. Will Henn too opened his account.

Kilmallock for their part saw Oisin O’Reilly break through for a point but he also missed a goal chance from a tight angle. Shane O’Brien managed to get a point, but between Mike Casey, William O’Donoghue and the rest of the defensive cover, he was short of space and service.

The gap was at five points, the largest of the game, with 49 minutes played. Lynch ran through the centre, and with no catches remaining, he speculatively hit a low, unspectacular effort, which found the bottom corner. Game well and truly on.

Two more points in the next three mintues levelled the sides for the first time, before the champions stole ahead. The lead would change hands again in the closing stages when Conor Hanley Clarke landed two frees.

However, the final say went to Lynch and company. He put Na Piarsaigh ahead, before the sides were level again after another point for Peter Queally’s men.

However, Henn pointed from close range 90 seconds into the additional four minutes. Late efforts from Conor Staunton and Hanley Clarke were fruitless, and with it, Kilmallock’s season ends in heartbreak.

The TUS Gaelic Grounds will be a familiar destination for Na Piarsaigh in two weeks time, as they hunt a ninth Daly Cup. It represents a second opportunity Na Piarsaigh to complete a three in a row, which Patrickswell denied in 2019. Doon search for a maiden title.

When the sides met in the 2020 final, Na Piarsaigh won 5-27 to 1-12, in a most dominant display.


Scorers for Na Piarsaigh: R Lynch 1-9 (0-6 frees, 0-2 ’65); JJ Carey, W Henn 0-2, A Breen, M Foley, W Kearns 0-1 each.

Scorers for Kilmallock: Conor Hanley Clarke 0-9 (7f); R Hanley, P Connery, O O’Reilly 0-2 each; M Houlihan, P O’Loughlin (free), S O’Brien 0-1 each.

Na Piarsaigh: S Dowling; E McEvoy, M Casey, V Harrington; M Foley, W O’Donoghue, J Boylan; R Lynch, T Grimes; JJ Carey, W Henn, C Boylan; K Dempsey, K Downes, D Lynch.

Subs: A Breen for Dempsey (half-time); W Kearns for D Lynch (39); S Long for Grimes (56); J Fitzgerald for Carey (58).

Kilmallock: B Hennessey (C); L English, D Joy, A Costello; R Hanley, K O’Donnell, P O’Loughlin; M Houlihan, C Hanley Clarke; P Connery G Mulcahy, O O’Reilly; G O’Mahony, S O’Brien, P O’Reilly.

Subs: C Staunton for O’Mahony (47); R Egan for Connery (56).

Referee:  Kieran Guina (Feohanagh)