Rejigged Kilcormac/Killoughey just do enough to end round robin with 100% record against Lusmagh

DESPITE making a number of changes to the starting 15, Kilcormac/Killoughey still did enough to claim a fifth victory of the season as they overcame a stern challenge from Lusmagh on a scoreline of 0-25 to 0-21 in Birr on Saturday evening. 

Molloy Environmental Systems Senior B Hurling Championship Round 5

Lusmagh 0-21

Kilcormac/Killoughey 0-25

They will meet again in two weeks for a spot in the decider, but Kilcormac/Killoughey just did enough to make it five from five in the Senior B Hurling Championship. Three second half points from Alex Kavanagh as well some excellent free taking from Dylan Hand and strong showings from Peter Geraghty and Lochlann Kavanagh saw them get over the line. Lusmagh’s Paul Kinsella was fantastic, with some of his frees and scores from play were breathtaking on occasions, while Graham Lynch showed his vast levels of experience throughout. 

Overall, a decent game that could have been anything considering KK didn’t have something to play for due to them already securing a semi final spot and first in the group, but Lusmagh did have to fight to be sure of being amongst the final four in two weeks time and luckily for them they can look forward to that now following results elsewhere: Carrig-Riverstown's win over Clara saw Lusmagh qualify and they would have been out if Clara had won.

Although they did play better in most patches and looked a lot more alive to the game and were on a decent amount of ball, Lusmagh still found themselves behind by five at the break, despite Paul Kinsella hitting an impressive 0-4 by half time including two outstanding individual scores. Lynch was also on target early on and Lusmagh were looking up for this game, but slowly and gradually  KK kept the scoreboard ticking, with Dylan Hand landing some fantastic frees, with Dan Currams, James Gorman, Lochlann Kavanagh and Peter Geraghty also contributing massively to leave the gap at five, 0-14 to 0-9 at half time.

Lusmagh were fighting their hardest but will rue some errors with playing out the back and some poor wides, as well as KK taking their opportunities despite not creating a whole lot during the second period. They also had the benefit of introducing some quality subs like Alex Kavanagh, Shane Guinan, Alan Spain and James Kilmartin. 

Aaron Kelly, Eibheann Kelly, Darren Healy and a long range score from Eimhin Kelly were keeping Lusmagh within touching distance, as well as further scores from Kinsella, but they could never quite close the gap fully, and Peter Geraghty’s final score of the game on 64 minutes killed a late comeback altogether as it left four between them shortly before the final whistle was blown and from what was an encouraging performance from Lusmagh, they’ll feel they let it slip away from them but will give them a belief heading into their semi final meeting in two weeks time. 

MATCH ANALYSIS

MAN OF THE MATCH

Karl Guinan (Kilcormac/Killoughey): Lusmagh had a strong showing from Graham Lynch, Eimhin Kelly and Paul Kinsella who were all influential for their side and will be crucial to them if their to get the better of the double K’S. 

Alex Kavanagh was superb in the second half, while Killian Leonard and Charlie Bracken played their game as well as Shane Mulrooney in goals once again being strong and commanding. 

Karl Guinan was strong in the back line for KK. Winning dirty ball and bursting his way through powerful tackles and looked strong all across their half of the pitch. 

THE SCORERS

Kilcormac/Killoughey: Lochlann Kavanagh 0-7 (5frees); Dylan Hand 0-6 (4frees 1 65); Peter Geraghty and Alex Kavanagh 0-3 each; Dan Currams and James Gorman 0-2 each; Mark Mulrooney and Shane Guinan 0-1 each. 

Lusmagh: Paul Kinsella 0-11; Graham Lynch 0-3; Aaron Kelly and Eibheann Kelly 0-2 each; Darren Healy; Eimhin Kelly and Eoin Quinlan 0-1 each.

THE TEAMS

Kilcormac/Killoughey: Shane Mulrooney; Shane Melia; Harry Sweeney; James Geraghty; Charlie Bracken; Karl Guinan; Killian Leonard; Mark Mulrooney; Conor Quinn; Thomas Geraghty; James Gorman; Peter Geraghty; Dylan Hand; Dan Currams; Lochlann Kavanagh . Subs- Alex Kavanagh for Gorman (HT); James Kilmartin for Mulrooney (44m); Alan Spain for Leonard (47m); Shane Guinan for Geraghty (50m). 

Lusmagh: Alan Kelly; Niall Duffy; Andy Flynn; Patrick Byrne; Rory Quinlan; Eimhin Kelly; Daire Temple; Eoin Quinlan; Graham Lynch; Aaron Kelly; Eibheann Kelly; Darren Healy; Daire Kelly; James Kelly; Paul Kinsella . Subs–Aidan Byrne for Kelly (48m) .

REFEREE WATCH

Kyle Waters kept the game flowing without many major decisions that had an impact on the game. 

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Alex Kavanagh’s second half point was a thing of beauty. Similar to Adam Screeney’s score in the U20 Leinster Final in 2023, a delicate strike from a tricky angle which was his third since being introduced at the break.

VENUE WATCH

On a lovely evening for hurling, Grant Heating St Brendan’s Park hosted the encounter well despite there being a small crowd in to watch. The pitch was in good condition 

WHAT'S NEXT

Kilcormac/Killoughey and Lusmagh will now meet again in two weeks time in a semi final. 

STATISTICS

Wides: Lusmagh –  10 (5  in first half, 5  in 2nd half); Kilcormac/Killoughey – 9 (  6 in first half, 3 in 2nd half).

Yellow cards: Lusmagh - (2) Graham Lynch and James Kelly; Kilcormac/Killoughey – (1) Lochlann Kavanagh 

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