Goals pave way for Kiladangan progression
GAA: FBD Insurance Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship Group 1
Kiladangan 4-15
Drom & Inch 0-18
Report: Michael Dundon at Semple Stadium
2019 defeated finalists Kiladangan needed a result from their County Senior Hurling Championship clash with Drom & Inch on Saturday and they achieved their goal with a top-drawer performance that had observers predicting that they could go one-better this year.
A draw would have been enough for unbeaten Kiladangan but against a Drom & Inch team that had already qualified, and who were lining out without centre back Johnny Ryan who was suspended, Kiladangan looked in a different class and while they scored four goals, it might well have been seven.
This was a hugely important win for Kiladangan as it underlined their title-winning credentials. Particularly impressive was their work-rate through the field as they never let their opponents settle and every time they attacked; Brian Lawlor’s charges looked capable of getting a goal. This win enables them to top their group and their quarter-final opponents will come from a runner-up in one of the other groups.
While Drom opened in lively fashion going two points clear, Kiladangan really settled into their game when Paul Flynn netted after five minutes to put them 1-1 to 0-2 ahead, Bryan McLoughney getting their opening point. Flynn was proving a handful for the Drom defence and he struck again seven minutes later sending Kiladangan to the first water break with a 2-3 to 0-5 advantage.
Things got even better for them when immediately on resuming Billy Seymour bagged goal number three. A brace of Willie Connors points in response to a Seamie Callanan effort for Drom had Kiladangan cruising at 3-5 to 0-6 after 24 minutes. Drom finished the half well with five points but at the break Kiladangan led 3-6 to 0-11 and had every reason to be pleased.
Kiladangan might have had two more goals at the start of the second half as Paul Flynn and Dan O’Meara broke through but nearing the second water-break they pounced for number four, O’Meara finishing off the good work of Alan Flynn and Billy Seymour.
They were 4-10 to 0-13 clear when Dan O’Meara was sent-off for a second yellow card, but they carried the disadvantage with no great threat to their winning position to the finish, though Drom did pick off a few consolation points.
So Kiladangan go through in good shape for the quarterfinals. They are unbeaten and playing confidently and aggressively and have learned much from earlier disappointments as they chase the elusive big prize. Paul Flynn’s early goals were crucial to getting them in the right frame of mind but Billy Seymour, Dan O’Meara, Willie Connors, Alan Flynn, and David Sweeney who kept a tight rein on Seamus Callanan were other key figures. Barry Hogan’s 39th minute save off Seamus Callanan’s shot was also important as Kiladangan were only five points ahead, and a Callanan goal might have re-invigorated Drom.
Drom & Inch need to quickly regroup to put this setback behind them. The manner in which their defence was prized open and the failure of the attack to deliver, will be big concerns for manager James Woodlock. David Collins was their top performer with Podge Campion, Liam Ryan, Robbie Long and Seamus Callanan also doing their bit. Johnny Ryan’s return will of course bolster them, but they need to step up considerably on this performance if they are to make progress.
MATCH DIGEST
Player of the Match: Paul Flynn (Kiladangan)
Kiladangan: Barry Hogan (6); Darragh Flannery (6), James Quigley (6), Fergie Hayes (6); Decky McGrath (6), David Sweeney (7), Alan Flynn (7); Willie Connors (0-6, 5f) 8), Tadgh Gallagher (6); Sean Hayes (0-1, 6), Joe Gallagher (6), Billy Seymour (1-2, 7); Dan O’Meara (1-2, 7), Paul Flynn (2-2, 9), Bryan McLoughney (0-1, 6).
Subs: Martin Minehan (6) for S Hayes (HT); Andy Loughnane (0-1, 6) for McLoughney (HT)
Drom & Inch: Eoin Collins (6); Jamie Moloney (7), Kevin Hassett (6), Fintan Purcell (0-1, 6); Liam Ryan (7), Podge Campion (7), Robbie Long (7); Joey Maher (6), Emmett Moloney (6); Stephen Nolan (6), Seamus Callanan (0-11, 10f) 7), David Collins (0-4, 8); Lorcan Campion (0-1, 6), David Butler (6), Mikey Connors (6).
Subs: Tommy Nolan (0-1, 6) for Maher (34); Michael Campion (6) for Moloney (50).
Referee: Fergal Horgan (Knockavilla Kickhams).
Table P W D L +/- Pts
Kiladangan 3 2 1 0 +20 5
Drom & Inch 3 2 0 1 -3 4
JK Brackens 3 0 2 1 -4 3
Roscrea 3 0 1 2 -13 1