Kilkenny JHC- Tullogher’s first half blitz sees them past Emeralds

Tullogher-Rosbercon’s first half goal blitz paved the way for a semi-final spot, as they easily defeated Emeralds in Clara last Saturday afternoon with the Urlingford men scoring two late goals to put a better reflection on the final scoreline.

It was all over as a contest before the 20th minute, as their third goal by Danny Glennon in the 19th minute put them 3-8 to 0-5 ahead.

They added five unanswered points shortly afterwards as they built up a 3-13 to 0-5 ahead, before three pointed frees by Darragh Queally narrowed the gap to 14 points at the interval (3-13 to 0-8).

A Conor Hennessy goal in the eighth minute after he was set-up by the outstanding Marty Murphy put them four points in ahead. He added a second goal in the 12th minute to put them 2-4 to 0-4 ahead. A long puckout by Davy Walsh saw Conor create space. He lost control of the sliotar, but struck a powerful emphatic ground shot that gave Brendan Cleere no chance.

Further points were added by Danny Glennon, Cian O’Donoghue(2) and a superb effort by team captain Colman O’Sullivan as they led by 2-8 to 0-5, before Danny Glennon grabbed Tullogher’s third goal.

Walter Walsh underhit his attempt at a point, as the sliotar found its way towards Glennon and he displayed great determination to slam the sliotar into the net.

Effectively, it was game over and five unanswered points between the 20th and 23rd minute put the game beyond Emeralds’ reach (3-13 to 0-5).

The highlight was a sublime individual point by Conor Hennessy in the 23rd minute as he sold a dummy to at least two Emeralds defenders. Just as he was about to be blocked, he made space for himself to apply the finishing touch following a glorious effort.

Tullogher-Rosbercon led 3-13 to 0-8 at half-time with nine different scorers as all six of their forwards were on the scoring sheet, while Jamie Lyng and Lar Murphy were also on the mark.

The second half was a non-event as Tullogher remained in total control, with Cian O’Donoghue primarily keeping the scoreboard ticking over with six further points from placed balls including a 65. Walter Walsh was the catalyst throughout that second half as he did an awful lot of good defensive work along with posing as a constant attacking threat.

Two of Tullogher-Rosbercon’s standout performers were Lar Murphy and Marty Murphy who were both outstanding.

Lar Murphy was a colossal and dominant presence at wing-back, while Marty Murphy was exceptional as a foraging hard grafting wing-forward.

Marty’s aerial ability was also a key component to Tullogher-Rosbercon’s attacking threat and dominance particularly during the opening half.

Emeralds battled to the end despite a lost cause, and no one can fault the efforts of Darragh Queally who kept the scoreboard ticking over while Gerry Troy and Eddie Ryan battled hard.

Goals from substitute and captain Damian Fitzgerald along with Johnny Doyle put a better reflection on the scoreboard, while they had two further goal chances in stoppage time that were denied by both Davy Walsh and Colman O’Sullivan.

However, there was no denying Tullogher’s dominance as the damage was done in the opening 20 minutes.

Teams and Scorers

Tullogher-Rosbercon - Cian O’Donoghue (0-10, 0-8 frees and 0-1 ‘65), Conor Hennessy (2-2), Danny Glennon (1-1), Colman O’Sullivan, Walter Walsh and Jason Shiely (0-2 each), Lar Murphy, Marty Murphy and Jamie Lyng (0-1 each)

Emeralds - Darragh Queally (0-10, 0-8 frees), Damian Fitzgerald and Johnny Doyle (1-0 each), Gerry Troy and Eddie Ryan (0-2 each)

Tullogher-Rosbercon - Davy Walsh; Stevie Lawlor, Donncha O’Connor (Vice-Captain), Sean Murray; Lar Murphy, Pat Hartley, Cathal Mooney; Jamie Lyng, Colman O’Sullivan (Captain); Marty Murphy, Walter Walsh, Jason Shiely; Danny Glennon, Conor Hennessy, Cian O’Donoghue.

Subs: Niall O’Shea, Michael Handrick.

Emeralds - Brendan Cleere; Tomas Cussen, Shane Norton, Jack Kavanagh; Sean Burke, Killian Doyle, Anthony Farrell; Gerry Troy, Adam Barnaville; Sean Power, Brian Campion, Darragh Queally; Johnny Doyle, Eddie Ryan, JJ McLoughlin (Vice-Captain).

Subs: Ciaran Phelan, Damian Fitzgerald (Captain).

Referee - Eoin Hayes (Thomastown)