Kiladangan given a mighty scare by Holycross in Semple Stadium thriller

FBD Insurance Senior Hurling Championship Quarter-Final

Kiladangan 2-22

Holycross Ballycahill 3-17

By Michael Dundon

Rank outsiders in many people’s books, Holycross Ballycahill went ever so close to causing a major shock in the FBD Insurance County Senior Hurling quarter-final as they came up just short against a highly fancied Kiladangan at Semple Stadium on Saturday last.

The North Tipp side are strongly tipped to claim the Dan Breen Cup for the second time but they were mightily relieved when referee Peter Carroll called time, three points late on seeing off the very brave effort of a young Holycross side which will surely be heard of in the coming years.

Kiladangan always looked the one most likely to succeed but they could never shake off a persistent Holycross challenge in a high-scoring contest that while always absorbing fell somewhat short of championship intensity.

The favourites tag may have lulled the Kiladangan lads into a false sense of security as they did not play to their potential but perhaps they played as well as they were let.

In any event, quarter finals are for winning and this Kiladangan achieved, and their hope will be that better things lie ahead. They will have been pleased that injured Jim Quigley and Willie Connors got back in action, further positives to take from their afternoon’s work.

When Kiladangan raced into a 0-7 to 0-3 lead after 12 minutes, it looked as though Holycross were going to have a difficult afternoon, but with Darragh Woods outstanding from play and frees, they fought back to lead 0-9 to 0-8 after 23 minutes.

Kiladangan were rattled but recovered with three points and in the 26th minute a Bryan McLoughney goal for a 1-11 to 0-9 lead. Billy Seymour, their top performer pointed but as the break approached, Cathal Barrett netted a penalty after Ben Hennessy was fouled and David Fogarty also goaled to tie the game up, 2-9 to 1-12 at the interval.

It was a situation that Kiladangan hardly anticipated earlier in the game but one richly deserved by a Holycross side determined to establish themselves in this level of company. And this they truly did.

The sides were level on six occasions in a topsy-turvey second half. Billy Seymour’s goal for Kiladangan after 35 minutes pushed them 2-13 to 2-12 ahead but two minutes later Jimmy Lahart netted for Holycross, levelling, and a brace of Darragh Woods points had the attendance wondering if a shock was on the cards.

Back came Kiladangan, with Seymour, Loughnane and Hayes points giving them a 2-18 to 3-14 advantage after 47 minutes. Next, it was Holycross with points from Woods and Barrett to the lead and they were still a point ahead with six minutes to play (3-17 to 2-19).

The possibility of extra time loomed but it was Kiladangan who found the extra gear at the finish. Billy Seymour, Alan Flynn and Seymour again in the 61st minute, sent over the points to ensure their name is in the hat for the county semi-final draws.
More is needed from Kiladangan if they are to progress further.

They did enough to win here but no more than that and with the competition intensifying now that the business end of the championship is at hand, they will have to do better. Billy Seymour was their stand-out man on this occasion showing the quality that earmarked him as county senior potential at under-age level.

Andy Loughnane, Declan McGrath, Joe Gallagher, Alan Flynn and Sean Hayes all had their moments but overall, it was not Kiladangan at their best, 16 wides a disappointing statistic for their post-match analysis.

Though disappointed at losing, Holycross Ballycahill will reflect with satisfaction on a campaign which reinforced the belief that they are going to be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.

They are reaping the fruits of ongoing success at underage level and while they may require another year or so to mature, the future is surely bright for them. Darragh Woods gave a master class in scoring from frees and play. Some of his points from play were exceptional.

Cathal Barrett led the forward line well while Bryan O’Mara and Jim Ryan were excellent in defence. Joe Caesar, David Fogarty, Eoin Craddock and Conor Ryan also turned in top-class performances.

Kiladangan: Barry Hogan; John O’Meara, Johnny Horan, Fergal Hayes; David Sweeney, Joe Gallagher, Declan McGrath (0-1); Tadhg Gallagher, Alan Flynn (0-2); Dan O’Meara, Billy Seymour (1-10, 0-5f), Paul Flynn (0-2); Bryan McLoughney (1-1), Sean Hayes (0-3), Andy Loughnane (0-3).

Subs used: James Quigley for Horan (HT); Willie Connors for McLoughney (41); Conor Byrne for Loughnane (45); Eoin Sharkey for J O’Meara (59).

Holycross Ballycahill: Ewan Bourke; Gavin Dunne, Con Ryan, Jimmy Ryan; MJ Doyle, Bryan O’Mara, Jim Ryan; Eoin Craddock, Liam Doyle; Joe Caesar (0-2), Cathal Barrett (1-3. 1-0 pen), Ben Hennessy (0-1); Darragh Woods (0-10, 0-5f), Jimmy Lahart (1-0), David Fogarty (1-1).

Subs used: Aidan Stakelum for Hennessy (34); Jamie Lee Dwan for Lahart (60).

Referee: John McCormack (Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams)