Kilkenny SHC- O’Loughlin’s finish strong to deny Mullinavat

O’Loughlin Gaels’ third quarter dominance, in which they scored eight consecutive points without reply, proved most decisive as they overturned a five point half-time deficit to lead by three points before running out eventual winners following late points by Jordan Molloy and Sean Bolger.

However, Mullinavat were dominant throughout the first-half and displaying great desire and determination, they deservedly built up a seven point lead by the 25th minute with John Walsh on target with five points from placed balls - including a point from a 65 - to lead 1-7 to 0-3 as himself and Oisin Knox were proving a thorn in the O’Loughlin’s defence.

The goal came in the 9th minute as Oisin Knox kicked the sliotar to the net following great work by Ger Malone.

Ger Malone was excellent throughout the opening-half as he did trojan work around midfield, and his point from play in the 24th minute was deserved for his magnificent efforts.

Oisin Knox also added a point from play in the 16th minute, while Joe Gahan was on target in the 29th minute as the South Kilkenny men led 1-8 to 0-6 at half-time.

Mark Bergin scored 0-4 - three from placed balls - throughout the opening-half as they stayed in touch at the interval.

Brian Hogan’s charges were an entirely different proposition during the second half as they came out with all guns blazing.

Mark Bergin pointed another free, before wing back David Fogarty - who was one of O’Loughlin Gaels better players in the first half - surged upfield to score two glorious points from long distance in quick succession, as just two points separated them. 1-8 to 0-9.

Further points came from another Mark Bergin free, Paddy Butler and Bergin as The O’Loughlin’s men now took the outright lead in the 40th minute. 0-12 to 1-8.

Intercounty senior All-Star Mikey Butler led the way for O’Loughlin Gaels throughout the second half with a highly immaculate display, as he regularly thundered forward out of defence.

His monster point from play from about 100 yards - his own 45 metre line - was hugely inspirational, and when goalkeeper Stephen Murphy pointed a long free from a similar distance, they appeared to be in total control heading into the closing quarter as they now led 0-14 to 1-8.

However, Mullinavat got an unexpected lifeline totally against the run of play in The 44th minute.

A long ball was sent in towards the O’Loughlin Gaels goal, and Oisin Knox managed to flick the sliotar beyond the advancing Stephen Murphy to bring them level. 0-14 to 2-8.

Only six scores came throughout that final quarter as O’Loughlin Gaels outscored Mullinavat 0-4 to 0-2.

Both Mark Bergin and John Walsh exchanged a brace of points each between the 45th and 52nd minutes, with both players on target from play and placed balls.

With less than three minutes remaining, the Teams were level (0-16 to 2-10) and extra-time appeared to be an increasing possibility.

However, Jordan Molloy struck over a great point to give the O’Loughlin’s men the lead once again in the 58th minute following a surging run upfield by Mikey Butler, while a puckout from Mullinavat goalkeeper Sean Fitzpatrick went straight to Sean Bolger and he calmly slotted over the bar as they went on to grind out a hard fought victory and march towards the semi-finals.

Teams and Scorers

O’Loughlin Gaels: Mark Bergin (0-9, 0-6 frees); David Fogarty, Paddy Butler, Sean Bolger (0-2 each); Mikey Butler, Stephen
Murphy (free), Jordan Molloy 0-1 each).

Mullinavat: John Walsh (0-7, 0-4 frees and 0-2 65s); Oisin Knox (2-1); Ger Malone, Joe Gahan (0-1 each).

O’Loughlin Gaels: Stephen Murphy; Tony Forristal, Huw Lawlor, Mikey Butler; David Fogarty, Paddy Deegan, Jordan Molloy; Jack Nolan, Cian Loy; Conor Heary, Mark Bergin, Eoin O’Shea; Owen Wall, Paddy Butler, Sean Bolger.

Subs: Conor Kelly, Jamie Ryan.

Mullinavat: Sean Fitzpatrick; George O’Connor, Tom Aylward, Robin Davis; Ian Duggan, Michael Malone, Padraic Gahan; Padraig Dempsey, Joe Gahan; Ger Malone, Willie O’Dwyer, Adam Mansfield; John Walsh, Liam Fennelly, Oisin Knox.

Referee: Julian O’Dwyer (Windgap)