Seir Kieran forced to work hard to book semi-final slot

AFTER their stumble when drawing with Clodiagh Gaels in the last round, Seir Kieran did what they had to do, beating Kilcormac-Killoughey in Rath on Wednesday evening to secure their semi-final place in the Offaly Senior B Hurling Championship with a round to spare.

Molloy Environmental Systems Senior “B” Hurling Championship Round 4

Seir Kieran 3-22

Kilcormac-Killoughey 3-15

It wasn't quite as comfortable as it should have been and it was a small bit tighter than their seven point winning margin indicates but Seir Kieran were solid as a unit, helped along by some excellent individual performances and they were the better team.

The Clareen men may be warm title favourites but will be under no illusions that their return to top flight hurling will be anything but smooth. Kilcormac-Killoughey are not the dominant force that won back to back titles in this grade in 2023 and 2024, completing a memorable senior and senior “B” double both years, but they were still very competitive and asked serious questions of their opponents – despite the defeat, they remain in contention for a semi-final berth.

They were not far away from getting back into the game late on and Seir Kieran were not as clinical as they would have liked. Their wide count of 17 was way too high and the Seir Kieran full back line looked vulnerable when asked to deal with high ball, and K/K were not far away from getting another goal or two – fifteen wides did not help their cause.

Still Seir Kieran are where they want to be, are clearly in good health and there were far more positives than negatives to take home with them on the short journey from Rath. They played some excellent hurling at times and despite K-K occasionally breathing down their necks, they were able to find another gear when needed and they looked like winning the whole way.

Seir Kieran held a 1-12 to 0-7 lead at half time but really should have had the points in the bag. They had twelve first half wides, many of them poor ones, while they dropped the ball short on a few occasions.

It still looked to be a winning lead with Sean Carey displaying fine opportunism. Carey got two excellent sidelines, three frees and one from play in the first half.

Kilcormac-Killoughey were determined and played some good hurling but were definitely second best in the first half. They hung in very well in the first quarter and were just 0-7 to 0-5 behind when Seir Kieran struck for 1-3 without reply between the 20th and 24th minutes, Sean Dooley rounding off a great build up for the goal in the 24th minute.

Poor defenbding saw Conor Lowry get in for a K-K goal five minutes into the second half but a 40th minute goal from Sean Dooley put Seir Kieran 2-17 to 1-9 up and it looked all over. K-K rallied superbly and Seir Kieran looked fragile for a few minutes as the losers got three quick points and scored a soft 46th minute goal when Killian Leonard sent in a long delivery and Shane Guinan may have got his hurl to it to send it to the net – it was not clear if he touched it in real time or it went direct in but it certainly would not have been a goal without Guinan's presence.

Suddenly the gap was five points and the outstanding Brian Guinan almost brought it down to two when his powerful shot rattled the post, Mark Mulrooney pointing the '65'.

Sean Carey converted a crucial free and a great Kevin Dunne goal after super Carey work gave Seir Kieran a 3-18 to 2-13 lead after 52 minutes.

The gap was big enough and Seir Kieran were 3-21 to 2-15 ahead when Mark Mulrooney fired a 58th minute free to the net. Sean Carey got Seir Kieran's final score from an injury time free and that was important as it left K-K needing three scores to salvage a result and whatever about nicking two goals, they were never going to get all those scores in the remaining time.

MATCH ANALYSIS

MAN OF THE MATCH

Sean Carey (Seir Kieran): It wasn't a perfect display by Seir Kieran but they will be very happy with things overall and the way several individuals stood up. Barry Kealey was a man of the match contender with a powerful display at centre back and Adrian Hynes staked a strong claim at centre forward.

The choice is Sean Carey, whose finishing was excellent. He showed great technique to score two first half sidelines and his 12 point haul included 7 frees and three from play. He also showed great touches in open play and his role in Kevin Dunne's match clinching goal was worth the trip to Rath.

Brian Guinan did a mountain of work for K-K at midfield while Conor Lowry caused Seir Kieran a lot of problems up front.

THE SCORERS

Seir Kieran: Sean Carey 0-12 (7f and 2 sidelines), Sean Dooley 2-1, Kevin Dunne 1-1, Adrian Hynes 0-4, Tom Dooley 0-2, John Coughlan and Barry Bergin 0-1 each.

Kilcormac-Killoughey: Mark Mulrooney 1-7 (1-5f, 2 '65's), Conor Lowry 1-3, Shane Guinan 1-1, Brian Guinan 0-2, JK Kilmartin, Conor Quinn 0-1 each.

THE TEAM

SEIR KIERAN: Joseph Connors; Noelie Bergin, Kieran Connor, Stephen Gilligan; Conor Dooley, Barry Kealey, John Coughlan; Kevin Dunne, Thomas Connor; Darragh Guinan, Adrian Hynes, Sean Dooley; Sean Carey, Luke Carey, Tom Dooley. Subs – Oisin Guinan for Thomas Connor (42m), Michael Gilligan for Sean Dooley (42m), Barry Bergin for Luke Carey (52m).

KILCORMAC-KILLOUGHEY: Shane Mulrooney; Tadgh Donoghue, Charlie Bracken, Harry Sweeney; Killian Leonard, Richie Bracken, Cathal Kilmartin; Brian Guinan, Peter Geraghty; James Geraghty, JK Kilmartin, Conor Quinn; Mark Mulrooney, Shane Guinan, Conor Lowry. Subs – Danny Spain for James Geraghty (56m).

Referee – Matthew Farrell, Tullamore.

REFEREE WATCH

Matthew Farrell had his usual solid, efficient game.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

Kevin Dunne's 52nd minute goal was very important. First it gave Seir Kieran a decisive 3-18 to 2-13 lead at a stage when they were decidedly uncomfortable. Secondly, it was a fantastic score as Sean Carey showed great vision to weave through a tight gap in midfield and terrific skill to bounce the ball off the ground, allowing him to take an extra couple of metres before off loading to Dunne, who finished superbly with a low drive from 20 metres.

VENUE WATCH

Rath was the perfect venue for a meeting of Kilcormac-Killoughey and Seir Kieran, and Drumcullen GAA Club were perfect hosts.

WHAT'S NEXT

Kilcormac-Killoughey meet Drumcullen and Seir Kieran have Clara in the final round of group games.

STATISTICS

Wides: Kilcormac-Killoughey – 15 (7 in first half); Seir Kieran – 17 (12in first half).

Yellow cards: Seir Kieran – 1 (Barry Kealey); Kilcormac-Killoughey – 2 (James Geraghty, Conor Lowry).

Black cards: 0

Red cards: 0