Kilkenny SHL- Blanchfield to the fore in Bennettsbridge win over Glenmore

It was a case of history repeating itself as a Liam Blanchfield inspired Bennettsbridge side proved too strong for Glenmore in round 1 of the senior hurling league on Sunday evening.

Just like in the 2023 championship quarter-final between the same two sides, the towering figure of Blanchfield had a major impact on the game as he scored 1-4 from play in a barnstorming outing at full forward.

It was far from a one man show either as Liam was joined by brother Kevin, Sean Morrissey and Hugh O’Neill in putting in big performances as the ‘Bridge dominated a Glenmore team that were down a few players.

It was something of the theme of the weekend with big names being dismissed and Glenmore had their own casualty with Ger Aylward getting a red card only six minutes after coming on as a sub.

Kevin Blanchfield then scored the ’Bridge’s second goal in the very next attack as they put to bed any thought of a comeback.

The first half was a cracking affair for the most part and it was only in the latter end of it that the winners gained a stranglehold.

Bennettsbridge scored freely early on through points from Liam Blanchfield, Sean Morrissey, Nicky Cleere and Jason Cleere but Glenmore kept with them.

Charlie Phelan on the frees as well as Cathal Beirne, Dean Croke and Eoin Murphy from play kept the South Kilkenny outfit honest but the ‘Bridge took control towards the end of the first period and Liam Blanchfield’s deft finish for a goal in the 28th minute allowed his side to go into the break with a 1-11 to 0-8 advantage.

Glenmore were then held scoreless until the 41st minute and in that time Bennettsbridge scored six points on the bounce as Nicky Cleere, Liam Blanchfield, and Sean Morrissey all extended their scoring tallies.

Ger Aylward was then giving a straight red card for an off the ball incident before Kevin Blanchfield’s blasted goal ended the game as a contest.

A thoroughly professional dispay by Bennettsbridge who look in fine fettle ahead of a local derby with Thomastown this weekend.

Teams and Scorers

Bennettsbridge: Liam Blanchfield (1-4); Sean Morrissey (0-5); Kevin Blanchfield (1-2); Nicky Cleere (0-3, 2fs and 1 ‘65); Hugh O’Neill (0-3); Ciaran Brennan (0-2); Jason Cleere, Enda Morrissey, Conor Murphy, Harry Murphy (0-1 each)

Glenmore: Charlie Phelan (0-5, 5fs); Cathal Beirne (0-3); Darragh Vereker (0-2); Ian Byrne (0-1, 1f); Dean Croke, Eoin Murphy (0-1 each)

Bennettsbridge: Enda Cleere; Lar Mahon, Enda Morrissey, Timmy Kelly; Bill Hughes, David Blanchfield, Conor Murphy; Hugh O’Neill, Kevin Blanchfield; James Hughes, Sean Morrissey, Ciaran Brennan; Nicky Cleere, Liam Blanchfield, Jason Cleere.

Subs: Jack Campion for J.Hughes, 46 mins; Harry Murphy for N.Cleere, 52 mins; Shane Byrne for Kelly, 53 mins; Jamie Harkin for J.Cleere, 60 mins.

Glenmore: Mikey Kirwan; Richie Hennessy, Eoin Aylward, Shane Duhig; Ciaran Vereker, Eoin Murphy, Shane Murphy; Billy Reid, Thomas Mullally; Shane Doherty, Cathal Beirne, Darragh Vereker; Dean Croke, Ethan Phelan, Charlie Phelan.

Subs: Ger Aylward for Doherty, 37 mins; Aaron O’Neill for D.Vereker, 52 mins; Ian Byrne for E.Phelan, 52 mins; Darragh Hartley for Croke, 52 mins.

Referee: Julian O’Dwyer