Devaney's goals prove decisive for Borris-Ileigh who qualify for this year's North decider

Hibernian Inn North Senior Hurling Championship semi-final

Borris-Ileigh 2-18

Kilruane MacDonaghs 0-21

Borris-Ileigh are back in the North Tipperary Senior Hurling Final after overcoming Kilruane MacDonaghs in a tense and entertaining semi-final on Wednesday evening, with James Devaney’s two-goal haul proving decisive.

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Kilruane, playing their second game in just three days following a hard-fought win over Nenagh Éire Óg, showed no signs of fatigue and remained competitive right up until a cruel twist late on.

With seven minutes remaining and the sides closely matched, Jerry Kelly’s point attempt cannoned off the upright and fell perfectly for Devaney, who coolly rounded Paidi Williams and struck for his second goal of the game.

It was a gut punch for Kilruane, who had clawed their way back into the contest. Although they battled to the end, Borris-Ileigh held firm to book their place in the decider.

Devaney and Kelly were the standout forwards, sharing 2-7 from play. Kelly made a strong impact on his return to championship action after a year away.

Young Paddy Ryan also caught the eye with his vision and link-up play, while Shane Kenny delivered an exceptional defensive performance by completely silencing Kilruane danger man Cian Darcy.

Borris-Ileigh’s squad depth is looking stronger than in recent seasons. With Seamus Burke, Tom Delaney, and Eddie Ryan all expected to feature more prominently in the final, they have more options available. The experienced Brendan Maher is not involved this year, but the team has adapted well in his absence.

Kilruane’s preparations were disrupted by the absence of Craig Morgan, who failed to recover from the injury he picked up against Nenagh.

Shane Cleary stepped into the role but struggled to contain Kelly. On the opposite wing, Niall O’Meara was outstanding, contributing four points from play and driving his team forward throughout.

It was Kilruane who made the brighter start, hitting four of the opening five points through O’Meara, Jerome Cahill, and Conor Austin. Borris responded well, and with Conor Kenny influential early on, they erased the deficit by the eighth minute.

The game’s opening goal arrived shortly after. Kenny was again involved in a sharp passing move that ended with Devaney finishing confidently.

Patrick Ryan added a free to push the gap to five, but Kilruane battled back and cut the margin to three at half time, trailing 1-10 to 0-10. Thomas Cleary, Mark O’Neill, and Willie Cleary chipped in with key scores to keep them in touch.

Borris-Ileigh edged the early stages of the second half, with Sean McCormack adding his name to the scoreboard. Kilruane replied by shifting Jerome Cahill into a deeper role, which opened up space for long-range efforts. They capitalised with points from O’Meara, Aaron Morgan, and Shane Cleary.

However, missed opportunities proved costly. A string of wides in the middle of the half meant Kilruane never quite managed to draw level, despite a couple of excellent scores from Willie Cleary.

The decisive moment came when Devaney pounced on a loose ball and slotted home his second goal. Kilruane responded with determination and twice reduced the gap to three, but Borris remained composed to book their place in the decider against Kiladangan on Sunday next.

Borris-Ileigh: James McCormack; Liam Ryan, Ray McCormack, Johnny McGrath; Shane Kenny, Dan McCormack, Mikey Kennedy; Colm Boyle, Kevin Maher; Jerry Kelly, Sean McCormack, Conor Kenny; Patrick Ryan, Paddy McCormack, James Devaney.

Subs used: Cathal Hogan for McGrath (41, inj); Eddie Ryan for Maher (44); Tommy Ryan for L Ryan (55–57 blood sub); Tommy Ryan for Kennedy (57).

Kilruane MacDonaghs: Paidi Williams; James Cleary, Aaron Morgan, Eoin Hogan; Niall O’Meara, Jerome Cahill, Shane Cleary; Conor Austin, Mark O’Neill; Cian Moyles, Kieran Cahill, Cian Darcy; Thomas Cleary, Kian O’Kelly, Willie Cleary.

Subs used: Cathal England for T. Cleary (17–18 blood sub); Cathal England for Moyles (42); Jack Peters for Hogan (46); Cormac Doheny for O’Neill (58); Michael Cleary for Darcy (58).

Referee: Ciaran O’Donovan (Burgess)

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