Nothing easy in the Leinster Club IHC. Kiltale’s James Kelly (obscured) is outnumbered by Olygate Glenbrien’s Eoin O’Mahoney (14) and Peardar O’Mahoney.

AIB Leinster IHC semi-final:
Kiltale 2-13, Oylegate-Glenbrien 3-12

Wexford Intermediate champions Olyegate Glenbrien staged a remarkable second half recovery to defeat Meath Senior Hurling champions Kiltale in the Leinster Club IHC semi final at Pairc Tailteann.

After fifteen minutes Kiltale led by 1-5 to 0-2, their goal coming from veteran Johnny Donoghue. Jack Regan crashed a close in free to the Olygate net and further points from Regan (2) and Mark O’Sullivan had the Meath champions in cruise control leading 2-8 to 0-2 after 25 minutes. The Wexford champions staged a mini revival scoring three points in the last five minutes all from the hurl of midfielder Fergal Doran. Kiltale led at the interval 2-8 to 0-5.

It was a different Oylgate Glenbrien team that took to the heavy sod at Navan for the second half. Within ten minutes the Wexford men had the gap down to a point with two goals and a point from the excellent Jamie Reck. Kiltale replied with a brace of points from Jack Regan. On the 20th minute half back Anthony Forde raced through the Glenbrien defence to score an inspirational point and the Meath men were 2-12 to 2-9 in front.

But from there on Olygate took over. The outstanding Padraig Doran levelled the game with a goal and points from the Dorans, Fergal and Padraig had the Wexford men two points to the good. Jack Regan and MJ Reck exchanged points before the final whistle as Olygate Glenbrien went on the win by two and advance to the Leinster decider.

Oylegate Glenbrien: Michael Shiggins, Adrian Nolan, Fergus Heffernan, Robert O’Connor, Daithi O’Mahoney, Michael Heffernan, Peadar O’Mahoney, Fergal Doran (0-8), Jamie Reck (2-1), John Foley, Peter Nolan, MJ Reck (0-1), Padraic O’Connor, Eoin O’Mahoney, Padraig Doran (1-2).
Subs: John McCormack

Kiltale: Shane McGann, Anthony Donnelly, Padraig Donoghue, Ciaran Ennis, Anthony Forde (0-1), Willie Mahady, David Donoghue, James Kelly, Philip Garvey, Johnny Donoghue (1-0), Stephen Donoghue, Mark O’Sullivan (0-2), Cathal McCabe, Peter Durnin (0-2), Jack Regan (1-8).
Subs: Kevin Ryan

Referee Padraig Murphy Carlow.

Kiltale’s Johnny Donoghue takes a tumble as Killyon’s Conor Foley and Paddy Ryan close in during the Meath SHC Final at Pairc Tailteann.

MARK O’SULLIVAN’S 32nd-minute goal proved decisive as Kiltale edged out Killyon in the Ted Murtagh Clothing and Footwear SHC final at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday.

O’Sullivan was the game’s top scorer from play with 1-3. His goal cushioned Martin Ennis’ men against a late Killyon rally that might have forced a replay but for some sterling defensive work by the new holders of the Jubilee Cup.

When O’Sullivan steered Peter Durnin’s delivery to the net at the town end it left four points between the sides, 1-8 to 0-7.

O’Sullivan was prominent in attack as Kiltale widened the gap to five points on six occasions. When Jack Regan, who was to the fore in the opening half, brought his tally 0-7 with a 56th-minute free, six points separated the sides, 1-14 to 0-11. This made the young corner forward the final’s top scorer.

A late Killyon rally yielded points from Pauric McKeown (whose goal attempt just cleared the crossbar), Raymond Massey (free) and David Raleigh.

The timely intervention of David Donoghue prevented Killyon from getting in for a late goal that would have forced a replay.

This is Kiltale’s fourth SHC title and first since 2007 – a feat achieved despite losing the opening two fixtures (Kilmessan and Kildalkey) in the group stage.

Killyon went in pursuit of their first SHC title since 2005, and eighth in all, on the back of six straight wins in this year’s campaign.

At the game entered the final quarter Kilale ‘keeper Shane McGann fielded David Raleigh’s delivery well under pressure to prevent the concession of a goal.

Kiltale lined with Ian Douglas and Anthony Forde at midfield while Killyon’s Pauric McKeown and David Kennedy were in direct opposition.

Jack Regan landed an impressive opening point for Kiltale from close to the stand at the hospital end in the second minute.

Killyon responded well with three quick points; a David Raleigh effort from play followed by two Raymond Massey frees.

By the 13th minute the scores were tied for the second time following points from Regan (free) and Stephen Donoghue.

Regan’s second point from play, another excellent effort – this time from the opposite side of the field – restored Kiltale’s lead, 0-4 to 0-3, in the 17th minute,

Kiltale passed up a goal chance when Peter Durnin lost possession in front of goal. However, Martin Ennis’ men maintained momentum with points from Mark O’Sullivan and Regan (free).

Killyon managed their first point in a quarter of an hour when David Raleigh sent over his second score from play in the 23rd minute.

A David Kennedy delivery nearly led to a Killyon goal but Shane McGann and the Kiltale defence averted the danger.

Killyon ‘keeper Stephen Quinn turned a Regan goal attempt out for a 65 which eventually led to Stephen Donoghue’s second point.

Philip Garvey, operating in the half-forward line, made it 0-8 to 0-4. A Keith Keoghan effort ensured Killyon were within range of their opponents with 29 minutes gone.

David Raleigh played a supporting role as Adam Gannon posted the final score of the half that left Killyon 0-6 to 0-8 in arrears at half-time.

Within 40 seconds of the restart the margin was down to the minimum when Raymond Massey sent over a free from about 40 metres. Then came the game’s decisive score.

Kiltale – S. McGann; A. Donnelly, P. Donoghue, C. Ennis; A. Forde, W. Mahady, D. Donoghue; J. Kelly, P. Garvey (0-2); J. Donoghue, S. Donoghue (0-2), M. O’Sullivan (1-3); I. Douglas, P. Durnin, J. Regan (0-7, 4fs). Subs – C. McCabe for Douglas (50), E. Ryan for Mahady (60).

Killyon – S. Quinn; A. Feeney, B. Perry, B. Quinn; C. Foley, P. Ryan, T. Raleigh (0-1); K. Keoghan (0-1), D. Kennedy; P. McKeown (0-1), R. Massey (0-5 fs),J. J. Gilsenan; A. Gannon (0-2); C. Keegan, D. Raleigh (0-3). Subs – G. Foley for Quinn, A. Farrell for Kennedy (both 41), S. Kelly for Ryan (45).

Referee – F. Smyth (Blackhall Gaels)

Match report from HoganStand.com.

Kiltale’s Anthony Donnelly has control of the ball as Kildalkey’s Noel Kirby and Paddy Conneely close in during the Meath SHC semi final at Pairc Tailteann

Meath Senior Hurling Championship, semi-final:
Kiltale 1-16, Kildalkey 0-13

Kiltale were decisive winners in the second Ted Murtagh Clothing & Footwear Trim SHC semi-final at Pairc Tailteann on Saturday evening when ending Kildalkey’s bid for a fourth Jubilee Cup success in a row.

The decisive moments occured in the ten minutes either side of half-time when Kiltale moved from being on level terms with the champions to being seven points clear.

The game’s only goal arrived three minutes after the resumption with Mark O’Sullivan finishing to the net at the town end after Peter Durnin’s effort was blocked by Kildalkey full-back Stephen Forde.

That left 1-11 to 0-9. Though Paddy Conneely pulled a point back from a free, White flags raised by Anthony Forde, James Kelly and Durnin was Kiltale’s response.

Following the latter score the board read 1-14 to 0-10 with 40 minutes on the clock and Kiltale kept Kiltalkey at arms’ length from there to the end.

Kiltale – caught by an O’Mahonys’ smash-and-grab raid at the same stage last year – were only in arrears once, in the opening four minutes, on this occasion.

Now they looked forward to their first final appearance since their 2007 success over Kilmessan.

Six different players contributed to Kiltale’s tally with all bar four of their scores coming from play. Nine of Kildalkey’s scores were from placed balls.

A tigerish Kiltale defence, with Padraig Donoghue a central figure, ensured there was no way back for Pat O’Halloran’s men.

The introduction of Derek Doran in the 36th minute didn’t pay the required dividends on this occasion as goals eluded Kildalkey.

Mark O’Sullivan put 1-2 to his name while Durnin finished with four points from play. No Kildalkey player managed more than a single score from play while Kiltale wing-back Anthony Forde managed two such scores.

The sides went score for score in the opening 16 minutes with a Pauric Keogh point from play getting the proceedings underway.

Kiltale replied with points from Cathal McCabe and Mark O’Sullivan to hit the front for the first time four minutes in.

Martin Ennis’ men hit the front on four subsequent occasions in the opening 25 minutes but never by more than the minimum margin.

With Paddy Conneely keeping the challengers in check with pointed frees the side were level five times in the opening 22 minutes.

Kildalkey’s Noel Kirby had his side’s best goal chance of the opening half in the 12th minute when his close range attempt was smothered by Kiltale ‘keeper Shane McGann.

Kiltale enjoyed a productive spell when posting four points on the spin in the second quarter to leave it 0-9 to 0-5 with 28 minutes gone.

Mark O’Sullivan’s second point of the half was the pick of those scores. He cut in from the left before registering.

A Kirby effort from play and Conneely’s fourth pointed free of the opening period halved the deficit before Regan closed the first-half scoring with an excellent effort from play.

That left Kiltale leading by 0-10 to 0-7 at the interval having played with the breeze in the first 30 minutes.

Kiltale – S. McGann; A. Donnelly, W. Mahady, C. Ennis; A. Forde (0-2), P. Donoghue, D. Donoghue; J. Kelly (0-2), P. Garvey; M. O’Sullivan (1-2). S. Donoghue, J. Donoghue (0-1); I. Douglas, P. Durnin (0-4), J. Regan (0-5, 4fs). Subs – C. O’Sullivan for Ennis (47), C. McCabe for Donnelly (52).

Kildalkey – C. Flynn; E. Potterton, S. Forde, D. Lahart; M. Keogh, E. Keogh, M. Doran; S. Heavey (0-1), S. Corrigan; P. Geoghegan, N. Kirby (0-2, 1f), P. Keogh (0-1); G. Kelly, T. Fox, P. Conneely (0-9, 8fs). Subs – D. Doran for Corrigan (36), F. Doran for Fox (58).

Referee – R. Morris (Blackhall Gaels)

Match report from HoganStand.com.

Thank god for helmets! Kiltale’s Willie Mahady breaks his hurley on John Donoghue’s during the Meath SHC quarter final at Pairc Tailteann.

Kiltale advanced to the semi final of the Meath Senior Hurling Championship with a comprehensive win over St Peters Dunboyne at Pairc Tailteann. The winners have now set up a date with four-in-a-row chasing Kildalkey.

The game was delayed for a half-hour to accommodate extra time in the IHC quarter final between Dunderry and Blackhall Gaels. The delay seemed to have affected Kiltale and with five minutes gone Dunboyne were 1-3 to 0-0 ahead. After a minute of action full-foward Barry Watters got in for a goal, before adding two points – and along with a fine effort from Sean Moran Dunboyne were six points up.

Kiltale settled and got the next four scores with points from Ian Douglas, Jack Regan, James Kelly and Stephen Donoghue. Jack Regan sent over four frees for Kiltale in the closing ten minutes and the teams went in level at the break 0-8 to 1-5.

Kiltale had this game wrapped up in the opening ten minutes of the second half. Last years beaten semi-finalists had 1-4 registered before substitute Gary Watters got Dunboyne’s opening score of the half. Jack Regan started the scoring spree with a point before Mark O’Sullivan got Kiltale first goal. Further scores from Regan, Sullivan and Philly Garvey put Kiltale ahead 1-14 to 1-6.

The lead was out to eleven points when O’Sullivan sent a sideline cut over the bar and Peter Durnin got his teams second goal. Gary watters got a consolation goal for Dunboyne with time almost up as Kiltale went on to win with ease and set up a mouth watering clash with championship holders Kildalkey in the semi final.

Kiltale: Shane McGann, Anthony Donnelly, Padraig Donoghue, Ciaran Ennis, Anthony Forde, Willie Mahady, David Donoghue, Philip Garvey (0-2), Ian Douglas (0-1), Peter Durnin (1-0), Stephen Donoghue (0-1), Mark O’Sullivan (1-2), James Kelly (0-1), John Donoghue, Jack Regan (0-8).
Sub: Cathal McCabe (0-1).

Referee: Donal Smyth

Match report from HoganStand.com.

SHC: Kiltale 2-17, Trim 3-10

Phillip Garvey’s first-half goals were central to Kilale’s Ted Murtagh Clothing & Footwear SHC Group A win over Trim at Ashbourne on Friday night.

The outcome virtually secures a place at the business end of the championship for Kiltale, who lost to O’Mahony’s at the semi-final stage last year.

Kiltale looked set for a comfortable win before a Trim rally got the deficit down to four points on as many occasions in the final quarter.

Having trailed by 11 points after 48 minutes, making up the deficit proved beyond Trim, who needed to win here to maintain their bid for a place in the knockout stage.

Goals from Dimi Higgins and Shane Ashe left just five points between the sides three minutes later. When Ciaran Joyce pointed, Trim hopes of pulling a big rabbit from the hat soared.

That was as good as it got for Trim as Kiltale had their measure from there to the end. Garvey (pictured) apart, teenager Jack Regan impressed for Kiltale with scores from play and placed balls. Wing-forward Stephen Donoghue complimented an industrious evening with three points from play.

Mark O’Sullivan put three points to his name in similar fashion as well as displaying an appetite from graft. Peter Durnin was another to chalk up a similar tally for Kiltale, including his side’s final score. He also provided the assist for Garvey’s second goal that left it 2-4 to 1-3 after 20 minutes.

O’Sullivan created the opening for Garvey – who wore the number 9 jersey – to smash home the opening goal in the 11th minute.

Trim never led but the scores were tied three times in the opening quarter. John Andrews’ charges were heavily dependent on Damien McGee scores in the opening half with his goal levelling matters for the final time at 1-3 each 15 minutes in.

Kiltale outscored Trim by 1-4 to 0-2 over the remainder of the half with an O’Sullivan point and a Garvey goal setting this phase of the game in motion.

Kiltale led by 2-7 to 1-5 at the break and showed no signs of letting up in the third quarter during which time Regan was prominent in the scoring stakes.

Durnin’s second point left it 2-14 to 1-6 in the 18th minute of the second-half. Trim set about eating into that 11-point deficit by outscoring Kiltale by 2-4 to 0-3 in the time remaing but it couldn’t prevent the town side from falling to their third defeat from four starts in the campaign.

Kiltale – S. McGann; A. Donnelly, W. Mahady, C. Ennis; C. McCabe, D. Donoghue, I. Douglas; J. Donoghue, J. Kelly; M. O’Sullivan (0-3), S. Dunleavy, S. Donoghue (0-3); P. Garvey (2-2), P. Durnin (0-3), J. Regan (0-6, 3 fs, 1 65). Sub – S. Cummins for Dunleavy (55).

Trim – B. Carley; J. Lee, D. Foley, S. Downes; R. Andrews, G. Kennedy, S. McGee; J. Andrews (0-2), J. Toher; D. Higgins (1-1), D. McGee (1-5, 0-3 fs), C. McGrath; C. Joyce (0-1), N. Heffernan (0-1), S. Ashe (1-0). Sub – K. Higgins for Downes (28 mins).

Referee – C. Ferguson (Gaeil Colmcille).

Match report from HoganStand.com.

SHC: Kiltale 2-20, Na Fianna 2-7

Kiltale started the stronger and pulled away from Na Fianna with 20min into the match. A goal coming from corner back Anthony Donnelly in the 15min.

With very few frees given away from either sides the free takers were under no pressure. Kiltale we well ahead at half time but Na Fianna tried hard and tagged on 2 goals in the second half. With some mis-catching and bad clearance from Kiltale goalie assisted in the Na Fianna goals.

Scores: Peter Durnin 1-6, Jack Regan 0-7 (0-6f, 0-1 45), Anthony Donnelly 0-1, Mark O’Sullivan and Stephen Donoghue 0-2 each, Cillian O’Sullivan, Padraig Donoghue, James Kelly 0-1 each.

Kiltale team: Shane McGann, 2. Anthony Donnelly, 3. Willie Mahady, 4. Ciarian Ennis, 5. Cathal McCabe, 6. Padraig Donoghue, 7. David Donoghue, 8. John Donoghue, 9. James Kelly, 10. Stephen Donoghue, 11. Sean Dunleavy, 12. Mark O’Sullivan, 13. Cillian O’Sullivan, 14. Peter Durnin, 15. Jack Regan.

Match report from HoganStand.com.

SHC: Kildalkey 2-16, Kiltale 2-13

There was just one score in it as Kildalkey overcame Kiltale in this thrilling Ted Murtagh Clothing & Footwear SHC Group A round two fixture at Pairc Tailteann on Saturday.

There was an exciting finale that included a brief outbreak of unpleasantries after Kildalkey ‘keeper Conor Flynn bravely saved a Peter Durnin goal attempt from a 20-metre free.

The result was the sendings-off of Kildakey’s Maurice Keogh and Kiltale’s Anthony Forde with the hour almost up.

Flynn was replaced in goals by midfielder Sean Corrigan, who in the prolonged period of stoppage time, did well to stop two further goal attempts by Durnin as Kildalkey recorded their second win of the campaign.

The game seemed to be going away from Kiltale – who lost to Kilmessan in round one – when Derek Doran goaled at the hospital end in the 40th minute to leave it 1-14 to 1-8 to Kildalkey.

Within two minutes Kiltale had the gap down to the minimum with a Durnin goal followed by points from substitute Cillian O’Sullivan and Jack Regan (free).

Kildalkey were soon five points to the good again with Fergus McMahon’s 46th minute goal completing the scoring burst.

Kiltale outscored Kildalkey by 0-3 to 0-1 in the latter stages with James Kelly pointing twice. However, last year’s beaten semi-finalists couldn’t get any close to the Jubilee Cup holders.

The scores were tied twice in the opening four minutes after Regan pointed Kiltale in front inside 60 seconds.

Points from Dan Fagan and Paddy Conneely had the champions in front for the first time before a Regan free levelled matters again.

Kildalkey kicked-on with three points on the spin from Sean Heavey and Derek Doran (two) to lead by 0-5 to 0-2 after 10 minutes.

Two Durnin points from play helped Kiltale eat into the deficit as the mid-point of the half approached.

Kiltale got a big break when Kildalkey ‘keeper Conor Flynn failed to collect a long delivery and James Kelly forced the sliotar to the net.

Kiltale were back in front 1-4 to 0-6. Kildalkey responded positively and regained the lead through Sean Heavey (sideline cut) and Tony Fox.

Kildalkey shaded the exchanges in the run-up to half-time posting the final three scores before the break through Heavey and two Paddy Conneely frees.

They could also have conceded a second goal when Flynn failed to collect a long delivery but John Donoghue’s follow-up was wide while Kildalkey went on to lead by 0-11 to 1-5 at half-time.

Kildalkey – C. Flynn; C. Dunne, S. Forde, D. Lahart; M. Keogh, E. Keogh, M. Doran; S. Corrigan (0-1), T. Fox (0-1); F. McMahon (1-0), S. Heavey (0-3, 1 sl), P. Geoghegan; D. Doran (1-1), D. Fagan (0-2), P. Conneely (0-8, 7fs). Sub – F. Doran for Flynn (60).

Kiltale – S. McGann; A. Donnelly, P. Donoghue, C. Ennis; A. Forde, W. Mahady, D. Donoghue; C. McCabe, P. Garvey (0-1); J. Donoghue, S. Donoghue, J. Kelly (1-2); J. Regan (0-5, 3fs) P. Durnin (1-2), M. O’Sullivan (0-1). Sub – C. O’Sullivan (0-2) for McCabe (17).

Referee – R. Morris (Blackhall Gaels)

Match report from HoganStand.com.

SHC: Kilmessan 0-13, Kiltale 0-11

Kilmessan had to be on guard to hold off a second half comeback by Kiltale in this senior game at Trim.

Kilmessan led by 0-9 to 0-4 at the break.

Best for Kilmessan were Peter Farrell, Eoin Marsh, Padraic Maguire, Stephen Clynch and Paul O’Brien.

Kilmessan (scorers) – Stephen Clynch 0-06, Nicky Horan 0-03, Paul O Brien 0-01, Eoin Marsh 0-01, Danny Maguire 0-01, Darren Reilly 0-01.

Kilmessan – Mark Brennan, Padraic Maguire, Charles Kenna, Patsy McGovern, Shane Brennan, Paul O Brien, Peter Farrell, Martin Horan, Eoin Marsh, Darren Maguire, Stephen Clynch, Kevin Keena, Danny Maguire, Nicky Horan, Darren Reilly. Subs – Seanie Doyle for Kevin Keena.

Match report from HoganStand.com.

With both clubs missing their county players this was not your passionate neighbourly battle. Some great hurling was played by both teams. The score at half time was Kiltale 0-7 Kilmessan 0-9 – a scoreline that fitted the close game, with some great blocking preventing Kiltale getting on top. Kiltale had one point from playing coming from John Donoghue and the other 6 scores from four frees and two 65s scored by Jack Regan.

The second half much the same with both sides making substitutions to try and open up the game. A goal miss by J Donoghue from a pass from Durnin would have levelled the match but Kilmessan held firm winning by 3 points. The scores in the second half were a point from play by Mark O’Sullivan, and 3 frees from Jack Regan.

1. Ollie Regan, 2. Sean Carroll, 3. Padraig Donoghue, 4.David Kane, 5. Stephen Cummins, 6. David Donoghue, 7.TJ lynch, 8. Sean Dunlevy, 9. Anthony Donnelly, 10. Cathal McCabe, 11. Mark O’Sullivan (1pt), 12. Padraig Kelly, 13. Jack Regan (8pts) all frees or 65’s, 14. Johnny Donoghue (2pts), 15. Stephen Whyte.

SUBS, Chris Reilly for Kane, Peter Durnin for Whyte, Ciaran Ennis for Dunlevy, Willie Mahady for Kelly.

All eyes on the ball as Kiltale's Willie Mahady closes in on Kildalkey's Derek Doran during the Meath SHC at Athboy.

A last minute point from Kiltale centre back and man of the match David Donoghue secured victory for Kiltale against current champions Kildalkey.

Kildalkey got off to great start with a goal from Derek Doran and they raced into a 5 point lead but some great fielding and 2 great points from James Kelly brought Kiltale back into the game.

Kiltale steadied the ship and David Donoghue and Anthony Donnelly started to dominate along the half back line and Mark O’ Sullivan and James Kelly were causing all sorts of trouble for the Kildalkey half back line.

Both sides were guilty of some bad misses during the game but two second half goals from Stephen White and one from a 21 yard free by Peter Durnin put Kiltale in the driving seat but Kildalkey responded with two goals to put them ahead by a point going into the closing minutes.

Philip Garvey and Mark O’Sullivan scored two great points and Fergus McMahon replied with a pointed free for Kildalkey.

Padraig Donoghue began to dominate on the Kiltale full back line and set up many attacks but honours went to his brother David who scored the all important winner.

Willie Mahady had a great battle with Derek Doran and got in some vital interceptions.

Kiltale had great performances from Stephen and John Donoghue around midfield and the Kiltale forwards fought hard for possession and took some great scores.

Padraig Kelly cleared up a lot of ball around the Kiltale half back line and James Kelly and Mark O’Sullivan were a constant threat and inside Durnin and Garvey got some great scores.

Kiltale: Shane McGann, David Kane, Padraig Donoghue, Willie Mahedy, Sean Dunleavy, Sean Dunleavy, David Donoghue 0-1, Anthony Donnelly, Padraig Kelly, Stephen Donoghue, Mark O’Sullivan 0-1, John Donoghue, James Kelly 0-2, Peter Durnin 1-4, Stephen White 2-0, Philip Garvey 0-2.

Match report reproduced from HoganStand.com.