Lusmagh book Senior B final spot to dethrone  Kilcormac Killoughey 

FOR the first time since 2022, the Senior B decider in Offaly won’t involve either Clodiagh Gaels or Kilcormac Killoughey and will now be contested between Carrig-Riverstown and Lusmagh. 

Molloy Precast and Environmental Systems Senior B Hurling Championship Semi-Final 

Lusmagh 3–18

Kilcormac Killoughey 0-16

That’s after Lusmagh put on a fantastic 60 minute display to seal an eight point win over the side that have won the last two championships, but it was always going to be tricky for Kilcormac Killoughey to maintain the kinda momentum they have over the past two years particularly with the bodies they lost following the opening round in the Senior A with Belmont. 

But take nothing away from Lusmagh, they were up for it from the start and they’ll absolutely fancy their chances with Carrig-Riverstown in two weeks time.

The first half was hard hitting from both sides and both had their opportunities, with Lusmagh feeling like they should have held a bigger lead than 1-10 to 0-8 at the break, with some big goal chances missed. 

They did take one opportunity as Luke Bowe spotted Paul Kinsella making a burst through the middle and slotting his effort into the roof of the net past Shane Mulrooney. That gave Lusmagh the incentive, with KK beginning to build momentum at that stage. 

KK didn’t had to wait till the 13th minute to get a score from play through Leigh Kavanagh, to add to the three early frees from his brother Lochlann. 

Eoin Quinlan was the big danger man in the first half for his side, as he picked over five points from play and looked like the orchestrator on the half forward line. Paul Kinsella’s frees also added to the scoreboard to add to the dominance that Lusmagh had in the half back line during the opening 30 minutes. 

It left Kilcormac Killougehy with work to do in the second half, as they trailed by five and were probably fortunate not to be down by more. 

Lusmagh maintained their dominance early in the second half, as they extended their lead to six through Kinsella frees and keeping their opponents away from creating any sort of goal chances to get themselves within touching distance. 

Aaron Kelly and a darting run from Ruairi Kelly kept their side ticking and they were looking like the side most likely to pull away coming down the home stretch. Further frees from Kinsella left Lusmagh nine in front with 15 to go. 

KK like champions didn’t give up and fought their way back into the contest as they strung together five points in five minutes to reduce the gap to just six with six remaining, however Luke Bowe’s 55th minute goal which was calmly finished, was soon followed up by Graham Lynch’s strike just a few minutes later and were the all important sealers that Lusmagh needed and they could start dreaming of a date with Carrig- Riverstown in a few weeks time and ending KK’s hunt for three in a row. 

MATCH ANALYSIS

MAN OF THE MATCH

Eoin Quinlan (Lusmagh): Paul Kinsella had a strong showing, getting their goal in the first half and was strong on frees throughout the afternoon, along with performances at the back from Eimhin Kelly, Ruairi Kelly and Darren Healy being a provider of good delivery and possession. 

Eoin Quinlan finished the game with 0-6, five in the first half all from play and was excellent in his attacking style throughout the 60 minutes and was a driving force for Lusmagh all afternoon.

Leigh Kavanagh made excellent passes and runs when provided with the ball, while Alan Spain did well at corner back when called upon and Shane Lochlann Kavanagh got some good scores also.  

THE SCORERS

Lusmagh: Eoin Quinlan 0-6, Paul Kinsella (5frees) 1-7, Luke Bowe and Graham Lynch 1-0, Aaron Kelly 0-2, Shane Lanigan, Darren Healy and Ruairi Kelly 0-1 each.

Kilcormac Killoughey: Lochlann Kavanagh (6frees) 0-7, Dylan Hand (3frees) 0-4, Leigh Kavanagh (1free) 0-3, Shane Guinan 0-2.

THE TEAMS

LUSMAGH: Alan Kelly; Rory Quinlan, Andy Flynn, Dáire Temple; Eibheann Kelly, Eimhin Kelly, Ruairi Kelly; Lorcan Troy, Graham Lynch (C), Eoin Quinlan, Darren Healy, Shane Lanigan; Paul Kinsella, Aaron Kelly, Luke Bowe. Subs– Dáire Kelly for Lanigan (56m) Morgan Glynn for Bowe (60m).

KILCORMAC-KILLOUGHEY: Shane Mulrooney; Shane Melia (C), Charlie Bracken, Alan Spain; Harry Sweeney; Killian Leonard Grogan, Richie Bracken; Leigh Kavanagh, Dylan Hand; Shane Guinan, James Kilmartin, Karl Guinan; James Geraghty, Conor Quinn, Lochlann Kavanagh. Subs- Oisin Kilmartin for Melia (47m), Ter Guinan for Geraghty (51m), Tadhg Donoghue for Quinn (60m), Danny Spain for Leonard (60m).

Referee – Adam Kinahan, Clodiagh Gaels.

REFEREE WATCH

Adam Kinahan took charge on Sunday afternoon and did a good job all around. He let the game flow whenever he could and got his decisions right when needed.  

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Luke Bowe’s 55th minute goal was the moment that all but sealed victory for his side, he took the goal very nicely and it all but finished the game as a contest.

VENUE WATCH

St Rynagh's hosted this game in Banagher and did so very well with parking no issue for supporters to attract the good crowd that attended on a lovely afternoon for hurling. 

WHAT'S NEXT

Lusmagh will take on Carrig-Riverstown in the final, while KK’s year is over.

STATISTICS

Wides: Lusmagh – 6  (5 in first half); Kilcormac Killoughey –  7 (4 in first half).

Yellow cards: Lusmagh – 1 (Andy Flynn); Kilcormac Killoughey – 1 (Conor Quinn).

Red cards: 0.