Kilmallock into the last four with a game to spare as Na Piarsaigh also book knockout berth

In Cappamore, it was a topsy turvy encounter as the top two played out a cracking contest which could have gone either way.

Kilmallock booked their place in the last four of the Limerick senior hurling championship with a game to spare as they saw off Patrickswell by a pair on Thursday evening.

A late Graeme Mulcahy goal proved timely for the Balbec as they maintained their perfect start to the year following the 2-22 to 2-20 result in Cappamore.

Elsewhere, Na Piarsaigh also sealed their place in the knockout stages with a third successive win as they saw off Ahane 1-21 to 1-13.

In Cappamore, it was a topsy turvy encounter as the top two played out a cracking contest which could have gone either way.

Patrickswell had the first four scores of the day but Kilmallock hit back with as many, the teams going blow for blow from here on.

Oisin O’Reilly grabbed the games first goal, feeding off a lovely fetch from Robbie Egan but that lead didn’t last a minute as Cian Lynch produced a cracking finish from 30 yards into the top corner.

Five minutes later, they had some bit of daylight, Aaron Gillane showing ingenuity to flick Diarmaid Byrnes long range free to the net and that was the difference at the half.

Kilmallock found themselves level shortly after the restart and this was still the case as the clock ticked into the final ten minutes.

Lynch had Patrickswell two in front shortly after but the decisive score would come with seven to play, the outstanding Shane O’Brien fielding a puck out before feeding Graeme Mulcahy who made no mistake.

A run of scores from O’Reilly, O’Brien and Micheal Houlihan gave them breathing room but Byrnes did have a chance to level with a late penalty but his effort sailed over as Kilmallock held on.

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Na Piarsaigh are certain to join Kilmallock in the knockout stages and are just one win from a semi-final after seeing off a spirited Ahane side.

There was nothing to separate the sides at the interval, Ronan Fox goaling for Ahane to give them a lead before Ronan Lynch and Vince Harrington hit back to leave it 1-7 to 0-10.

A JJ Carey goal shortly after the restart gave Na Piarsaigh the impetus and they finished the game with eight of the last nine scores to secure a third successive win.

In the premier intermediate championship, Dromin Athlacca moved joint top of the table with a 4-14 to 1-17 win over Cappamore.

Thursday Results

Limerick SHC

• Kilmallock 2-22 : 2-20 Patrickswell
• Na Piarsaigh 1-21 : 1-13 Ahane

Limerick PIHC

• Dromin Athlacca 4-14 : 1-17 Cappamore

Limerick IHC

• Knockainey 2-13 : 0-18 Feohanagh

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