Kilkenny SHC- Shamrocks find way to see off ’Boro

Shamrocks and Dicksboro was billed as a heavyweight clash and it certainly didn’t disappoint as both teams played out a thrilling championship quarter-final in UPMC Nowlan Park.

There was a feeling that this was the perfect chance for the ’Boro to knock the defending champions off their perch but despite being down a number of players and playing the last 20 minutes with 14 men, the Shamrocks still found a way to overcome the league winners.

The Ballyhale boys brought a physical edge to the game that may have stepped over the mark on the odd occasion with Paddy Mullen’s dismissal a good example of this but they were clearly fired up and their experience really stood out going into the final few minutes.

The Shamrocks intent was there for all to see right from the off as they positioned Colin Fennelly, TJ Reid, Eoin Cody and Adrian Mullen in a four pronged attack and the tactic nearly worked a treat when Adrian Mullen flashed a ball just over the bar within seconds of the ball being thrown-in.

It was Shamrocks who really dictated the terms of engagement throughout the opening quarter with the Boro relying on Andy Gaffney frees to get them into the game.

Get into the game they soon did though and by the 20th minute, the boys from Palmerstown led 0-8 to 0-6 with Bill Sheehan, Harry Shine and Cillian Buckley adding to further efforts from Gaffney.

Then the almost routine like Shamrocks purple patch arrived as they outscored their opponents 1-5 to 0-1 before the break with the goal arriving right in the stroke of half-time as Adrian Mullen blasted to the net on the back of a brilliant pass inside by Colin Fennelly.

Trailing by five to a team like Shamrocks, one would have been forgiven if they thought that was it but Boro really came out with a point to prove and they scored nine points between the resumption and the 42nd minute to lead by two.

Minutes later Paddy Mullen was then sent off on two yellows for striking Harry Shine and the champions reign looked in great danger but who are we to question Pat Hoban’s men as they raced back into the game with Colin Fennelly, Eoin Cody and TJ Reid with a brilliant sideline cut all coming to the fore.

The ’Boro missed key chances late on but they still had a 21 yard free to snatch the win in the last play where Andy Gaffney saw his shot turned away as Shamrocks survived a huge examination.

Teams and Scorers

Shamrocks: TJ Reid (0-10, 0-6 frees and 0-1 ‘65); Adrian Mullen (1-4); Eoin Cody (0-3); Colin Fennelly; Evan Shefflin; Conor Walsh (0-1 each).

Dicksboro: Andy Gaffney (0-13, 0-10 frees and 0-1 ‘65); Harry Shine, Liam Moore (0-2 each); Cillian Hackett, Cillian Buckley, Bill Sheehan (0-1 each)

Shamrocks: Dean Mason; Dara Mason, Darragh Corcoran, Killian Corcoran; Evan Shefflin, Richie Reid, Conor Walsh; Paddy Mullen, Liam Barron; Adrian Mullen, TJ Reid, Eoin Cody; Eoin Kenneally, Colin Fennelly, Niall Shortall.

Subs: Stephen Barron for Shortall, 31 mins; Brian Butler for L Barron, 49 mins; Eoin Reid for Fennelly, 59 mins.

Dicksboro: Darragh Holohan; Padraic Moylan, Niall Rowe, Evan Cody; Eoin Fennelly, Tom Kenny, Timmy Clifford; Ollie Walsh, Cillian Hackett; Cillian Buckley, Liam Moore, Aidan Nolan; Bill Sheehan, Harry Shine, Andy Gaffney.

Subs: Shane Stapleton for Walsh, 40 mins; Mark Nolan for Shine, 55 mins.

Referee - Owen Beehan (Fenians).