Kilmallock dig deep to defeat Ballybrown to book semi-final spot

Kilmallock dug deep and used their considerable class and experience to see of Ballybrown, 1-22 to 2-17 at Mick Neville Park on Sunday evening.

In a end-to-end clash, the 1-5 from Shane O’Brien, all from play, as well as 0-5 from sub Conor Hanley Clarke edged them over a gallant Ballybrown challenge.

Played in dry and slightly breeze conditions, these sides were nip and tuck until the Balbec forged four ahead with time running out. A late Barry O’Connor goal set up a grandstand finish but O’Brien’s superb score with the final sends them back into the last four.

Kilmallock will face Na Piarsaigh, also at Mick Neville Park Sunday.

There was little to separate theses sides after 30 minutes. Michael Houlihan’s free meant Kilmallock were 0-10 to 0-9 ahead. There had been quality scores from O’Brien and Mulcahy in the green of Kilmallock while Ballybrown had scores from Aidan O’Connor and target man, Bryan Griffin.

It was Griffin who tied this contest five minutes after the resumption, 1-9 to 0-12. The 30-year old catching a long delivery before his quick thinking left footed effort found the top corner.

O’Connor pushed them 1-13 to 0-13 clear by the time Peter Queally introduced both Oisin O’Reilly and Conor Hanley Clarke.

Hanley Clarke was able to fire over a 65 and a free, having taken over from Houlihan, and his also added two points from play. In between O’Briens goal.

He was on the end of a pass from O’Reilly who used his notable pace to cut through the Clarina defence.

Forging four clear when O’Reilly scored himself, Kilmallock looked certain winners. However, a late flourish from Luke O’Connor kept Ballybrown in touch. They were still four behind deep into the near-eight minutes added, when Barry O’Connor whipped to the net.

There was only time for O’Brien to complete his 1-5, and seal their semi-final spot.

Scorers for Kilmallock: Shane O’Brien 1-5; Conor Hanley Clarke 0-5 (0-2 frees, 0-1 ’65); Graeme Mulcahy 0-4; Michaél Houlihan 0-3 (frees); Pierce Connery 0-2; Phelim O’Reilly, Oisin O’Reilly 0-1 each.

Scorers for Ballybrown: Aidan O’Connor 0-8 (0-4 frees, 0-1 ’65); Bryan Griffin 1-2; Luke O’Connor 0-4; Barry O’Connor 1-0; Ross Kenny 0-2. Leigh Doolan 0-1.

Kilmallock: Barry Hennessy (C); Liam English, Aaron Costelloe, Dan Joy; Paudie O’Brien, Kevin O’Donnell, Paddy O’Loughlin; Robbie Hanley, Michaél Houlihan; Pierce Connery, Graeme Mulcahy, Tom Savage; Gavin O’Mahony, Shane O’Brien, Phelim O’Reilly.

Subs: Conor Staunton for P O’Brien (inj – half-time); Oisin O’Reilly for Savage; Conor Hanley Clarke for O’Mahony (both 40 mins); Robbie Egan for Connery (55).

Ballybrown: Josh O’Reilly; Ned Quinn, Colin Coughlan, Keith Punch; Tomás O’Connor, Kenny Power, Ross Griffin; Leigh Doolan, Killian Gavin; Ross Kenny, Bryan Griffin, Luke O’Connor; Barry Adams, Aidan O’Connor, Andrew Cliffe (C).

Subs: Barry O’Connor for Cliffe (44);Conor O’Neill for O’Reilly (inj – 47).

Referee: Johnny Murphy (Glenroe)