County Hurling and Football League Report

By Liam Hogan

DIVISION 1

Kiladangan 0-14 Drom & Inch 1-12

Shane Hassett’s sixth minute goal helped Drom & Inch to victory over a wasteful Kiladangan in their opening round game of the County Hurling League in Puckane last Thursday.

Hassett scored 1-9 (0-7 frees) as the visitors led 1-5 to 0-7 at half time. Scores were level three times over the hour, twice in the second half the latest in the 42nd minute at 1-8 to 0-11 before Hassett struck three unanswered frees in seven minutes.

But Kiladangan fought back with Ruairi Gleeson on target in the 49th minute before Hassett replied with a long distance free a minute later.

But the home-side, who struck 22 wides, with at least six from frees had Joe Gallagher pointing before substitute Ruairi Gleeson (Kiladangan’s third free-taker after Billy Seymour and Tadgh Gallagher had off nights) fired a close-range free inches over the crossbar seconds before full time.

As well as Hassett, there was good work by Fintan Purcell, Podge Campion and Robbie Long were best for the winners. Declan McGrath and Sean Hayes stood out for Kiladangan.

Borris-Ileigh 3-24 Clonoulty Rossmore 1-19

Holders Borris-Ileigh got their title defence off to a good start thanks to a thirteen-point win over Clonoulty/Rossmore at Borrisoleigh last Thursday.

In an even enough opening half it was Conor Kenny’s early goal helped give Borris a 1-12 to 0-12 advantage at the break.

Kevin Maher increased the lead to four but Conor Hammersley’s goal in the 32nd minute made it a one score game. The goal helped Clonoulty take charge, but they were unable to take the lead and when Jerry Kelly scored Borris-Ileigh’s second goal the game was over as a contest and with it came Jack Fitzgerald’s goal as part of a 1-4 total towards the end of the game.

DIVISION 3

Ballinahinch 1-19 Knockavilla Kickhams 2-12

Brendan Ryan scored 1-10 as Ballinahinch come from behind to beat Knockavilla Kickhams in Shallee on Sunday.

The teams were due to meet the previous weekend but was postponed due to the death of Ronan Stanley of Gortnahoe-Glengoole, who had been appointed manager of the Knockavilla Kickham team.

Ballinahinch trailed 1-6 to 0-6 at half time, with the Knockavilla goal coming from David Butler. But entering the third quarter Ballinahinch upped their game and overturned the deficit as Brendan Ryan, Adam Ryan and John Foley were on target. But there was fight in the West outfit as Michael McCormack’s goal in the 57th minute had Knockavilla two in front. However, Ballinahinch’s Mr Dependable replied again, this time a goal in the 62nd minute and with Ger Grace and Ryan himself adding a point each the points stayed in the North.

DIVISION 6

Knockshegowna 3-17 Knock 0-11

Goals by Jack Bond and Michael Egan helped Knockshegowna secure a fifteen-point win over Knock in Ballingarry last Tuesday.

Knockshe led 2-9 to 0-7 at half time and had too much in hand for the Mid Tipp club. Egan was also accurate from frees with Collie Brown, Barry Gohery, Dan Smith, and Michael Cleary to the fore for the Northmen.

FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 2

Ballina 2-7 Fethard 0-14

Ballina’s first venture in this year’s County Football league came up just short when they lost by a point at home to Fethard on Sunday.

The home side led 2-4 to 0-8 at half time with Matthew Power scoring both goals. However, the Fethard boys had the greater scoring power and Brian Healy turned on the style with a ten-point return including eight points from placed balls.

Round 2 of the County Hurling Leagues takes place next weekend with all fixtures on page 74.