Kilkenny SHC- 13 man O'Loughlin Gaels stun Dicksboro while Mullinavat defeat Erin's Own
A dramatic day of senior action in Kilkenny
Despite losing Mikey Butler and Mark Bergin to second half red cards, county champions O'Loughlin Gaels somehow got the better of Dicksboro in a pulsating St Canices Credit Union SHC Quarter-Final in UPMC Nowlan Park.
Fionan Mackessy had a fine game throughout and it was his last gasp goal that eventually broke the Dicksboro spirit as Brian Hogan's men battled to a sensational 2-17 to 0-20 victory.
Everything seemed to be going according to plan for the winners when Luke Hogan netted a goal within seconds as they fought off the attention of Padraic Moylan to shoot past Darragh Holohan.
That cushion allowed O'Loughlins to take a two point half-time advantage but second half red cards to Mikey Butler for a high challenge on Shane Stapleton and team captain Mark Bergin for an off the ball incident with Ollie Walsh looked to have the
defending champions in real trouble as Dicksboro made great use initially of the extra space afforded to them.
With Harry Shine in great form, the 'Boro led 0-18 to 1-12 going into the final few minutes but they couldn't go more tha one score ahead and were made to pay.
Points from Jordan Molloy, Paddy Deegan and Luke Hogan levelled the contest and while Cillian Buckley edged the Boro in front, Mackessy's brilliance gave O'Loughlin's the win late on.
Earlier in the day, Mullinavat qualified for a first senior semi-final since 2015 when they claimed a 2-21 to 0-19 victory over championship surprise package Erin's Own.
A goal in each half from Brian Phelan and big contributions from John Walsh and Oisin Knox helped Colm O'Byrne's side seal a noteworthy success but they were certainly made to work for it against a Comer side who were competitive throughout.
After the two senior clashes, the draw for the semi-finals took place and is as follows:
St Canices Credit Union SHC Semi-Finals
Thomastown v Mullinavat
Bennettsbridge v O'Loughlin Gaels