Kildimo-Pallaskenry and Blackrock must do it all again after thrilling draw

The 2019 Premier Intermediate Hurling Final is set for a replay following a breathtaking first stanza at the LIT Gaelic Grounds.

Kildimo-Pallaskenry and Blockrock finished deadlocked at 0-18 apiece, but that only tells part of the story.

The game will be replayed on Saturday, October 26 and will again take place at the Ennis Road venue.

Blackrock captain Paudie Leahy gave an exhibition of scoring throughout, but was matched in the end by Kildimo-Pallaskenry half forward Shaun Barry.

Kildimo-Pallaskenry made the more promising start with points from Darren O’Connell, John Chawke and Cian Hayes to lead 0-3 to 0-1 after five minutes.

However, efforts from Ruairi O’Shaughnessy and Daithi Heffernan either side of Barry’s first saw just one between the sides soon after.

It was then that Leahy took control of the game. He slotted over five on the trot in a sensational purple patch of scoring to put his side 0-8 to 0-4 in front on 23 minutes.

A Barry free broke up the scoring spree, but Heffernan and Dave Moloney immediately put Blackrock five in front.

Kildimo-Pallaskenry finished the half outscoring Blackrock 3:2 to leave the score at 0-12 to 0-8 at the short whistle.

Barry slotted two frees to cut the gap to two early in the second half, but points from Leahy and O’Shaughnessy kept Blackrock always more than one ahead going into the final quarter.

However, Barry was unerring from placed balls and another put just one between the teams going into the final quarter.

Blackrock were given a chance to get a firm grip on the contest when Kevin Palmer was fouled inside the 14 metre line and referee Eamon Stapleton awarded them a penalty.

It ended up being a bitter sweet moment for the ‘Rockies as Stapleton’s attention was drawn to an off the ball incident that led to their keeper Richie Murphy being sent off at the other end.

After a long delay, Leahy stepped up to take the penalty, but his effort was straight at Chawke and the experienced keeper made a fine stop.

Barry then levelled the contest with a free on 53 minutes to set up a grandstand finish.

Leahy responded to put Blackrock one ahead once more and then Palmer sent over his first of the game to double that lead. Leahy’s 11th of the contest then put Jimmy Quilty’s charges three clear.

Kildimo-Pallaskenry never panicked and three frees from Barry ensured that both sides must to it all again in three weeks time.

Scorers – Kildimo-Pallaskenry: Shaun Barry 0-11 (10f, 1 s/l), Darren O’Connell 0-4, J Chawke (1f), Cian Hayes and Adam Butler 0-1 each.

Scorers – Blackrock: Paudie Leahy 0-11 (4f), Daithi Heffernan and Ruairi O’Shaughnessy 0-2 each, Dave Moloney, Adrian Cooke and Kevin Palmer 0-1 each.

Referee: Eamon Stapleton (Doon).