Kilkenny GAA- Dicksboro and Mullinavat advance to SHC Semi-Finals

It was a dramatic day of action in the St Canice's Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship as Dicksboro and Mullinavat both secured their places in the semi-finals.

The Boro put in an excellent display as they ran out six point winners over Glenmore in the opening clash at UPMC Nowlan Park before Mullinavat edged past Bennettsbridge in a thrilling last eight encounter.

The Dicksboro and Glenmore game was a repeat of the group stages clash that the South Kilkenny oufit emerged as one point victors but this was a much different encounter.

It was a very open game that really suited the city side and although Cathal Beirne netted after six minutes for Glenmore, the opening half was dictated by the team in maroon and with Liam Moore and Shane Stapleton both getting goals before the break, they led 2-9 to 1-8.

With four of the first five second half points and Ian Byrne firing on all cylinders, Glenmore got back to within the minimum and even though Ciaran Kirwan got their second goal halfway through the half, they could never fight their way to the front.

The introduction of Patrick Lacey off the bench gave the Boro a new dimension and they dominated the latter stages to win out on a 2-24 to 2-18 scoreline.

The second quarter-final was equally as compelling and despite playing against the wind, Bennettsbridge threatened to run away with things when they quickly opened up a 0-5 to 0-2 lead and when James Hughes then netted their opening goal they looked in firm control.

Mullinavat didn't go away though and with 1-4 on the bounce including a John Walsh goal, the Vegas boys hit the front before the interval.

Bennetsbridge still maintained the initiative at the break though with a second major via Nicky Cleere allowing them to open up a 2-9 to 1-11 lead.

The 'Vat dominated the third quarter with John Walsh, Padraig Dempesy and sub Adam Mansfield all making a mark on the scoreboard.

The Bridge got a lifeline when Ciaran Brennan hit the net less than a minute after appearing from the bench as a sub and they looked to have the momentum going down the straight.

When leading 3-15 to 1-19, disaster soon struck for the leaders when full-back Enda Morrissey was given a red card on a second bookable offence on the back of a foul on Brian Phelan.

The numerical advantage as well as a superbly taken Mick Malone goal put the sails back in the Mullinavat effort and with Glenmore only adding on one more point before the end, it was Colm O'Byrne's men that sealed their place in the semi-finals for a second year on the trot.

The final two semi-finals take place tomorrow aftenoon with county champions Thomastown facing near neighbours Shamrocks Ballyhale and O'Loughlin Gaels entertaining Clara.