THERE WILL BE new senior hurling champions in Clare this year after reigning kingpins Ballyea were knocked out at the quarter-final stage this afternoon in Ennis.
The 2017 All-Ireland club finalists lost out by 0-18 to 2-11 against a Crusheen team that last won the Banner club honours back in 2011.
Crusheen were in front 0-11 to 0-6 at the break and despite conceding a second-half goal to Gary Brennan, they were still in the driving seat approaching the finish. A late goal by Tony Kelly raised Ballyea’s hopes but Crusheen hung on for a narrow win.
Crusheen now take on 2018 beaten finalists Cratloe at the last four stage on the weekend of 28-29 September. Today’s semi-final draw also paired 2017 title winners Sixmilebridge with Inagh-Kilnamona.
In Limerick the semi-finalists were confirmed for next Sunday’s double-header in the Gaelic Grounds with Doon advancing to face Patrickswell and Kilmallock progressing to take on Na Piarsaigh.
Today’s quarter-finals saw Kilmallock defeat Ahane 0-22 to 1-14 in the curtain-raiser. Graeme and Jake Mulcahy pointed the way for Kilmallock with Niall Moran scoring the only goal of the game as he netted for Ahane.
The second match saw last season’s beaten finalists Doon win out 1-23 to 2-15 against Ballybrown. Shane Kenny’s goal helped Ballybrown go ahead 1-9 to 0-9 at the interval but Josh Ryan, Cormac Ryan and Darragh O’Donovan grabbed the crucial scores as Doon ran out five-point victors.
In Cork the identity of the first pair of semi-finalists were confirmed after today’s quarter-final ties in Páirc Uí Rinn. 2011 champions Carrigtwohill are the surprise participants, their recovery from a heavy first round loss continuing as they defeated Ballyhea 3-17 to 2-16.
James Mulcahy hit a hat-trick of goals in the second half while Sean Rohan and Liam Gosnell grabbed vital points. Pa O’Callaghan and Gavin Morrissey netted for Ballyhea, who had been in front at the break. Carrigtwohill will now meet Glen Rovers or Newtownshandrum in their semi-final clash.
The second game saw St Finbarr’s win narrowly 0-15 to 0-14 in an all-city clash with Bishopstown. Eoin Finn and the Cahalane brothers, Damien and Conor, were amongst their point scorers with former Cork senior captain Patrick Cronin contributing for Bishopstown. St Finbarr’s held on in a tight game to advance to a semi-final against reigning champions Imokilly or Sarsfields.
Finally Dunloy advanced to the final stage in Antrim while Cushendall and Naomh Eoin must meet again after their semi-final draw.
Club Senior Hurling Results
Antrim SHC semi-finals
Dunloy 0-20 Loughgiel Shamrocks 0-17
Cushendall 2-16 Naomh Eoin 0-22
Clare SHC quarter-final
Crusheen 0-18 Ballyea 2-11
Cork SHC quarter-finals
Carrigtwohill 3-17 Ballyhea 2-16
St Finbarr’s 0-15 Bishopstown 0-14
Limerick SHC quarter-finals
Kilmallock 0-22 Ahane 1-14
Doon 1-23 Ballybrown 2-15
With the warm-up games out of the way, Murray, Bernard and Gavan discuss the renewed cause for optimism, impressive individual player form, and a potential quarter-final versus either South Africa or New Zealand.
The42 Rugby Weekly / SoundCloud
