Kilcormac Killoughey seal semi final spot with comfortable win over Coolderry

REIGNING CHAMPIONS Kilcormac Killoughey brought their gears up another level on Sunday afternoon as they booked their place in the Senior B semi finals with a 3-23 to 1-11 win over Coolderry. 

Molloy Precast and Environmental Systems Senior “B” Hurling Championship Round 4

Coolderry 1-11

Kilcormac Killoughey 3-23

A scintillating display from the likes of Lochlann Kavanagh and Conor Quinn inside the full forward saw Kilcormac Killoughey claim a big victory in their quest to retain their Senior B title and win a third successive championship in a row. 

It was a very impressive display from KK as they went for it from the start and never left a stone unturned. It was a big step up from their performances earlier in the campaign and they’ll feel now that they're starting to get things in order at the right time of the year. 

Three first half goals from Conor Quinn and Lochlann Kavanagh along with scores from the likes of Dylan Hand, Shane Guinan and Karl Guinan made Kilcormac Killoughey’s afternoon much easier. They were in full control from the moment the ball was thrown in and unfortunately for Coolderry they just couldn’t contain the speed and skill of their opponents. 

Declan Parlon and Kevin Brady were doing their level best to try and reduce the gap down and were causing hassle inside the full forward, and got their luck when Brady’s shot in the second half found its way into the net which Shane Mulrooney won’t be happy with how he let it in, but it has no bearing on the final result and it was an opportunity to make the scoreline look more respectable. 

Enda Grogan was in good form here at centre back, operating the game and playing in some fantastic passes as did the half back line consisting of Harry Sweeney and Richard Bracken. 

Leading by 3-12 to 0-8 at half time, it was always going to be difficult to see anything other than a KK win and especially for Coolderry they’d have been disappointed with their shooting, hitting 10 in the first half and also with the wind. 

The victory now means that KK will be featuring in the semi finals once again and while they haven’t been at their best so far this season, many will be wary of them in the knockout stages and the experience of winning the championship before, which could stand to them. 

For Coolderry, it’s all or nothing now with Clodiagh Gaels as both sides now will clash for a chance to stay in the Senior B for next season and avoid the drop to the Intermediate grade for 2026. Coolderry have lost players since last year and it was always going to be difficult for them to maintain their status, but they’ll continue to fight and will give it their all against the Gaels and there’s no telling what can occur in a few weeks time. 

MATCH ANALYSIS

MAN OF THE MATCH

Lochlann Kavanagh (Kilcormac-Killoughey): Conor Quinn started like a house on fire with his two goals in the opening five minutes, with the likes of Enda Grogan, Harry Sweeney, James Kilmartin and Dylan Hand all having good games, as did Guinan brothers Shane and Karl.

Lochlann Kavanagh is the pick as he played the game on his own terms and at his own pace. Knocking over 1-10 and impressing throughout with his movement and his efficiency. 

For Coolderry, Kevin Brady tried his best inside at full forward, with Declan Parlon their most effective forward. 

THE SCORERS

Coolderry: Declan Parlon (4frees, 1 65) 0-6, Kevin Brady 1-1, Liam Brophy, Conor Hogan (1free), Ciaran Teehan and Owen Connolly 0-1 each.

Kilcormac Killoughey: Lochlann Kavanagh (5frees) 1-10, Conor Quinn 2-0, Dylan Hand (2frees, 1 65) 0-5, Shane Guinan and Karl Guinan 0-2 each, Harry Sweeney, Oisin Kilmartin, James Kilmartin and James Geraghty 0-1 each . 

THE TEAMS

Coolderry: Conor Bergin; David Connolly, Paddy Maher, Owen Connolly; Conor Hogan, James Tooher, Adam Kennedy; Seamus Hogan, Darren Dooley; Joe Larkin, Declan Parlon, Brian Larkin; Ciaran Teehan, Kevin Brady, Liam Brophy. Subs– Cathal Burke for Brophy (54m). 

Kilcormac Killoughey: Shane Mulrooney; Shane Melia (C), Charlie Bracken, Alan Spain; Harry Sweeney; Enda Grogan, Richie Bracken; Oisin Kilmartin, Dylan Hand; Shane Guinan, James Kilmartin, Karl Guinan; James Geraghty, Conor Quinn, Lochlann Kavanagh. Subs–Danny Spain for Guinan (37m) .

Referee - Sean Michael Maher, Shinrone

REFEREE WATCH

Sean Michael Maher was the man in the middle and was solid, without having any decision affecting the outcome of the game. 

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Conor Quinn’s two goals which came in the space of 60 seconds was the big moment of the game as they both were in the opening five minutes and set the bar as to where the direction of the game was going from there. .

VENUE WATCH

Clareen was the venue for Sunday’s game and it was a good spot for the game as the weather was good and there was plenty of parking along with a coffee shop their for supporters. 

WHAT'S NEXT

Kilcormac Kiloughey face Clara in round 5, while Coolderry take on Clodiagh Gaels.

STATISTICS

Wides: Coolderry –  16 (10 in first half); Kilcormac Killoughey – 11 (4  in first half).

Yellow cards: Coolderry – 1 (Conor Hogan); Kilcormac Killoughey  – 1 (Harry Sweeney)

Red cards: 0