Kilkenny SHC: Mullinavat see off brave Erin's Own effort to book semi-final spot

Mullinavat secured passage through to the semi-finals of the St Canice's Credit Union SHC with a hard earned victory over Erin's Own in UPMC Nowlan Park on Sunday afternoon.

A brace of goals from Brian Phelan in both halves a necessary tonic for Colm O'Byrne's side, with both netted finishes killing 'Comer momentum in the final quarter of the first and second halves.

The opening exchanges were evenly contested in a lively affair. Conor Walsh and Oisin Knox stood out for Mullinavat, while Jack Buggy and Shane Coogan were to the fore for Erin's Own leaving the scoreline at 0-4 apiece after 11 minutes.

A speedy run from Oisin Knox would raise the first green flag of the day four minutes later. Knox's pace carved Erin's Own apart with his initial shot saved by Sean Fitzpatrick, only for Brian Phelan to tap home the rebound (1-5 to 0-5).

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The goal did little to dampen Erin's Own day and the teams continued their score for score trend for much of the half. However, the southerners finished the half stronger and held a 1-11 to 0-9 advantage at half-time.

The pendulum swung back in 'Comer's favour in the first quarter of the second half, as Erin's Own bagged three of the opening four points as Jack Buggy slotted over a hat-trick points.

The turning point would come 45 minutes into proceedings, a second goal from Brian Phelan provided a shattering blow to Erin's Own and despite their best efforts, they couldn't pull the Shield Champions back as Mullinavat ran out eight point winners. 

Mullinavat will face Thomastown in the senior semi-final in UPMC Nowlan Park next Sunday.

See People Sport for full match report.

Mullinavat -  Sean Fitzpatrick; Bill Dempsey, Tom Aylward, Robin Davis; Ian Duggan, Padraig Dempsey, George O'Connor; Adam Mansfield, Joe Gahan; Mick Malone, John Walsh, Conor Walsh; Oisin Knox, Ger Malone, Brian Phelan.

Erin's Own - Sean Buggy; Cathal Holland, Conor Delaney, Chris Korff; James Brennan, Ciaran Wallace, John Dowd; Conor Fogarty, Shane Feehan; Declan Buggy, Conor McMahon, Michael Brennan; Shane Coogan, Eoghan Moore, Jack Buggy.

Referee - Peter Burke (Emeralds)