Fogarty goal helps Erin’s Own retain Kilkenny senior hurling status

A vital strike from Conor Fogarty helped Erin’s Own (Castlecomer) save their senior hurling skins and condemn Danesfort to life in the intermediate ranks for 2024.

The ’Comer captain was in the right place at the right time in Freshford on Saturday, scoring the goal in first half stoppage time that gave his side the lead when they needed it most.

Ghosting in towards the square as a long Sean Buggy free broke among a sea of players, Fogarty snapped up possession and quickly fired it past ’Fort netminder Paddy Hogan. From a point down, Erin’s Own were now two in front at the break (1-10 to 1-8).

The goal was a nasty shock to Danesfort who, led by Richie Hogan, had fought their way in front. Helped by Hogan’s frees they made a solid start, then jumped ahead (1-5 to 0-5) when Hogan rifled a 16th minute penalty to the net.

They managed to keep their noses in front until the closing stages of the half, when three Jack Buggy frees - followed by the Fogarty goal - saw the ’Comer men edge ahead.

With senior survival at stake the second half was tense and tight, but a run of three Buggy frees before the three-quarter mark helped give Erin’s Own some breathing space (1-14 to 1-11). Things looked grim when Danesfort were reduced to 14 men soon after but they pressed on and managed to close to within a point inside the last 10 minutes. That was as close as they would get, however, as Jamie Holohan, Buggy (free) and sub Shane Coogan fired over the insurance points to ensure their top flight status.

SCORERS

Erin’s Own - Jack Buggy (0-10, 0-9 frees); Conor Fogarty (1-0); John Dowd, Martin Boran, Conor McMahon, Michael Brennan, Aidan Moran, Jamie Holohan, Shane Coogan (0-1 each).

Danesfort - Richie Hogan (1-6, 0-5 frees, 1-0 pen); Paddy Hickey (0-2); Paddy Hogan (0-1, free); Cathal Kearney, Robbie Walsh, Ben Whitty, Philip Cooney, Daire O’Neill, Des Dunne (0-1 each).