County Senior Hurling League Semi-Final
24/05/25
Na Piarsaigh 2-19
Croagh 0-18
Croagh Kilfinny were our semi-final opposition in the County Senior Hurling League in Adare on Saturday evening, them having overcome Newcastle West in the West final. In what was an utterly forgettable first half from a Na Piarsaigh point of view, CK were leading at the break 8 points to 4. Our opposition were well worth their lead, bringing a savage intensity and physicality to the opening half. This continued early into the second half with them extending their lead to 5, followed by a period of both sides trading scores.
A goal was needed for us to get a proper foothold in the game and this came from the stick of Dylan Lynch around the 45 minute mark. The 3-pointer levelled the scores at 1-11 to 0-14. Downesy followed with a couple of frees and a point from play along with Keith chipping in with one of his own. CK looked to be running out of gas with our momentum ever increasing. Adrian was making his first appearance of the season having been introduced with 12 to go. It was as if he was never away, registering a goal and 2 points for his evenings work. His goal proved to be the divisive score in the second half. The ball worked out from the back with Keith getting possession around the middle of the field. He gave a beautiful floated pass to a moving Tommy on the 65. He carried it all the way to the edge of the 14-yard square where he gave a sharp crossfield pass to Adrian. Adrian made no mistake with the finish.
A goal was needed for us to get a proper foothold in the game and this came from the stick of Dylan Lynch around the 45 minute mark. The 3-pointer levelled the scores at 1-11 to 0-14. Downesy followed with a couple of frees and a point from play along with Keith chipping in with one of his own. CK looked to be running out of gas with our momentum ever increasing. Adrian was making his first appearance of the season having been introduced with 12 to go. It was as if he was never away, registering a goal and 2 points for his evenings work. His goal proved to be the divisive score in the second half. The ball worked out from the back with Keith getting possession around the middle of the field. He gave a beautiful floated pass to a moving Tommy on the 65. He carried it all the way to the edge of the 14-yard square where he gave a sharp crossfield pass to Adrian. Adrian made no mistake with the finish.
While the first half is best left in the past, we had some strong performances all over the field in the second. Padraig Heaney had a fine game at cornerback, while Tommy played an absolute stormer on the wing. Ronan landed 4 excellent long range frees, with JJ doing trojan work around the half forward line. Downesy proved exceptionally difficult to handle for his marker in the full forward line, coming away with 3 hard earned points from play. He also converted 4 frees, many he won himself. Mark Hogan was also introduced to give added energy in the closing minutes.
The result sets us up for the county league final, fixed for next Saturday against either Ahane or Kilmallock. Their semi-final will be played on Tuesday evening. Further details to follow.
Team: Evan Condon, Alan Dempsey, Cathall King, Padraig Heaney, John O’Keeffe, Ronan Lynch(0-04, 0-04f), Tommy Grimes, Gordon Brown(0-01), Seanie Long(0-01), JJ Carey, Keith Dempsey(0-03), Dylan Lynch(1-00), Kevin Downes(0-07, 0-04f), Will Henn(0-01), Kevin Daly.
Subs: James Finn, Mark Hogan, Adrian Breen(1-02), Marcus Hogan.
