Kilcormac-Killoughey show credentials as Lusmagh overpowered

A one-sided affair which saw Kilcormac-Killoughey dominate from start to finish over Lusmagh to seal a place in this year's Offaly Senior B Hurling final, and with a high chance of securing the title judging by Saturday's performance.

Molloy Environmental Systems Senior “B” Hurling Championship semi-final

Kilcormac-Killoughey 6-27

Lusmagh 0-10

Kilcormac-Killoughey began the quicker of the two sides with five points in the opening seven minutes through Dan Currams, two from Daniel Hand, Leigh Kavanagh and Peter Geraghty. 

Daniel Hand and Dan Murray added further scores before Lusmagh opened their account thanks to a long range free from  Paul Kinsella after 10 minutes. 

Kilcormac-Killoughey began pushing further ahead and enjoying the space afforded to them as Alex Kavanagh stopped the ball from going out to hand it off to Daniel Hand and he fired it into the bottom corner from a tricky angle, before Kavanagh found Dan Murray moments later and he finished it into the net to leave it 2-09 to 0-03 after less than 20 minutes. 

Peter Geraghty added a further point before the game became well and truly done thanks to a 22nd minute goal from Dan Murray, with Daniel Hand and Leigh Kavanagh working the ball well in the build up with some slick hand passing. 

Lusmagh were struggling and weren’t looking up to the pace of the game. Peter Geraghty was controlling the half forward line with class and style as his link up with the rest of the team began showing, including a sideline cut and a further score from Ter Guinan. 

The game was almost done by the half time interval. 3-14 to 0-5 at the break.  

The second half was as all KK, from start to finish it was pure domination. Peter Geraghty, Dan Currams and Dylan Hand found the net in splendid styles, with the build up to each goal brimming with brilliance. 

Peter Geraghty added more points and was the all round leading figure for KK across the half forward line. KK still defended in a professional manner as well, not allowing any opportunities at goal. 

Paul Kinsella was doing his level best to keep the scoreline down with his placed balls, and Lusmagh tried but there just wasn’t enough there to spark any sort of comeback or make a real game of it in the second half against a strong wind. 

It became a tough watch as the game progressed and you’d have to feel for Lusmagh from the point of view not having the numbers to able to compete, but still competed admirably throughout the season which included a good win over Clodiagh Gaels and Birr. 

Losing Graham Lynch was far from ideal for them as he could have posed a real attacking threat. 

For Kilcormac-Killoughey, it’s a Senior B final in two weeks against the winners of Clodiagh Gaels and Birr, and with a Senior A semi final to come in two weeks, it could be a memorable few weeks for them if they are to look to becoming Offaly’s top dogs once again. 

MATCH ANALYSIS

MAN OF THE MATCH

Peter Geraghty (Kilcormac-Killoughey): Daniel Hand would also be a deserving choice as he scored 1-08, Leigh Kavanagh, Ter Guinan, Dan Murray, Shane Melia and many others for KK performed solidly, but Peter Geraghty was a class above everyone else. 1-08 and just his all round game was unbelievable over the course of the 60 minutes. 

THE SCORERS

Kilcormac-Killoughey : Peter Geraghty (1 free) and Daniel Hand (6 frees) 1-8 each; Dan Murray 2-1; Dan Currams 1-3; Dylan Hand 1-1; Leigh Kavanagh 0-2; Ter Guinan; Danny Spain; Conor Quinn; 0-1 each

Lusmagh: Paul Kinsella 0-8 (7frees); Dáire Temple and Eoin Quinlan 0-1 each. 

THE TEAMS

Kilcormac-Killoughey :Shane Mulrooney; Shane Melia; James Mahon; Charlie Bracken; Cathal Kilmartin; Karl Guinan; Alan Spain; Ter Guinan; James Kilmartin; Leigh Kavanagh; Peter Geraghty; Dan Murray; Alex Kavanagh; Dan Currams; Daniel Hand. Subs: – Dylan Hand for Hand (40m); Conor Quinn for Kavanagh (40m); Oisin Kilmartin for Kilmartin (46m); Danny Spain for Murray (46m); Sean Buckley for Kavanagh (48m) . 

Lusmagh:Alan Kelly; Ruairí Kelly; Rory Quinlan; James Kelly; Lorcan Troy; Andy Flynn; Eoin Quinlan; Eimhin Kelly; Eibheann Kelly; Dáire Temple; available Kelly; Pádraig Corcoran; Paul Kinsella; Darragh Healy; Aaron Kelly. Subs: - .

Referee – .Simon Whelahan, Birr

REFEREE WATCH

Simon Whelehan refereed the game well, which wasn’t the toughest game he’ll have to officiate this year but he did his duty in a professional manner.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH:

Ter Guinan’s first half point stood out for its moment of magic from Peter Geraghty cheeky pick up and feeding which led to Guinan sending it over on his left and leaving supporters in awe. 

VENUE WATCH: 

St Brendan’s Park hosted the two games very well. It was a difficult week with the weather but as usual Birr had plenty of stewards on hand and everything proceeded in an orderly manner. 

WHAT'S NEXT:

Kilcormac-Killoughey are now into the Senior B Final, Lusmagh’s season is over. 

STATISTICS

Wides: Kilcormac-Killoughey 11    – 5   in the first half, 6  in the second half;Lusmagh  6 – 4 in the first half,  2 in the second half 

Yellow cards: Kilcormac-Killoughey - (1) Peter Geraghty; Lusmagh - (1) Rory Quinlan

Red cards: Kilcormac-Killoughey  – (0); Lusmagh – (0).