Conor Kenny scored seven from play for Borris-Ileigh against Kilruane

Kenny inspires Borris-Ileigh into County Final

Published: Sun 20 Oct 2019, 5:11 PM

Last updated: Sun 20 Oct 2019, 6:13 PM

Borris-Ileigh 0-16

Kilruane MacDonaghs 0-15

Seven points from play from Conor Kenny inspired fourteen man Borris-Ileigh past Kilruane MacDonaghs in this County Senior Hurling Championship semi-final at Semple Stadium.

When Liam Ryan was sent off for a second bookable offence on 43 minutes which saw Kilruane draw level at ten points apiece, Borris-Ileigh looked in trouble but they found another gear for the remainder of the game to progress to the final.

Four of Kenny’s points came following the red card and he proved the difference as Kilruane didn’t have a forward of the same ability at the other end of the field, as their starting forwards managed just three points from play.

It was a poor game for the most part, with Kilruane leading 0-7 to 0-6 at half time and also had the best goal chance when Kian O’Kelly struck the post on seven minutes.

Jerry Kelly’s sideline cut was the highlight of the half with both sides relying in placed balls for the majority of their scores.

Borris-Ileigh quickly got back on terms in the second half and went two in front by the 37^th minute before Liam Ryan was red carded.

It proved to inspire Borris-Ileigh with Conor Kenny a thorn in the air, winning his own possession and landing four from play with JD Devaney and Brendan Maher also on target.

Kilruane found it difficult to create clear cut chances with captain Justin Cahill and Cian Darcy landing late points but they didn’t do enough overall as Borris-Ileigh set up a North Final rematch with Kiladangan.

SCORERS – Borris-Ieigh: Conor Kelly 0-7; Kevin Maher 0-5 (4 frees); Brendan Maher 0-2 frees; JD Devaney, Jerry Kelly (s-cut) 0-1 each.

Kilruane MacDonaghs: Cian Darcy 0-7 (5 frees); Justin Cahill, Kieran Cahill, Ray McLoughney (1 free) 0-2 each; Niall O’Meara, Conor Cleary 0-1 each.

TEAMS – Borris-Ileigh: James McCormack; Seamus Burke, Paddy Stapleton, Liam Ryan; Sean McCormack, Brendan Maher, Ray McCormack; Tommy Ryan, Dan McCormack; Conor Kenny, Niall Kenny, Jerry Kelly; Kevin Maher, Kieran Maher, JD Devaney.

Sub: Jack Hogan for T Ryan (46)

Kilruane MacDonaghs: Seamus Hennessy, Eoin Hogan, Jack Peters, Craig Morgan; Willie Cleary, Craig Morgan, Niall O’Meara, Justin Cahill, Ray McLoughney; Thomas Cleary, Cian Darcy, Conor Cleary; Kieran Cahill, Brian O’Meara, Kian O’Kelly.

Subs: Sean McAdams for Darcy (HT); Cian Darcy for McAdams (38); Mark O’Neill for T Cleary (50); Sean McAdams for O’Kelly (55); James Cleary for K Cahill (60+3).

Referee: Kevin Jordan (Thurles Gaels)