Another draw for Kilmaley U-21s

Sixmilebridge 0-14   Kilmaley 1-11

FOR the third time in recent weeks, Kilmaley have played a draw in the U-21A hurling championship. On Sunday, they finished level with Sixmilebridge, having had to play Newmarket three times in the previous round before eventually winning through.
Sixmilebridge equalised in the final minute of Sunday’s game when Pa Sheehan converted a free, the decision to award that annoyed Kilmaley supporters.
Sixmilebridge supporters will argue that the decision to award Kilmaley a penalty that Daire Keane pointed, earlier in the second half, was equally dubious.
Both sides will point to missed chances which, if converted, could have won them a place in the final against Ballyea.
Kilmaley missed a couple of goal opportunities in the first half, while Stephen Fleming produced an excellent save on another occasion. Titleholders Sixmilebridge, for their part, were guilty of 15 wides over the course of the hour’s play.
Sixmilebridge lined out without the injured Jamie Shanahan who was replaced by Conor Deasy who, like Kilmaley’s Conor Cleary, had played for the Clare minor footballers in the Munster Championship on the previous evening when they defeated Waterford.
Sixmilebridge made the better start and took the lead through Alan Mulready and Pa Sheehan before Michael O’Neill got Kilmaley off the mark. The ’Bridge had
The upper hand in the opening period with their half-backs and midfielders dictating matters and they stretched their lead to four points.
Gradually, however, Kilmaley got a grip on proceedings and points from Cillian McNamara, O’Neill and John Cabey saw them close the gap before Sixmilebridge goalie Stephen Fleming saved from Conor Cleary after good work by Aidan McGuane.
Twenty minutes into the tie, Sixmilebridge switched Seadna Morey to midfield from his starting position of full-forward. The respective free-takers, Michael O’Neill and Pa Sheehan swapped points before John Cabey took over free-taking duty for Kilmaley and his effort before the break left just a point between the sides with Sixmilebridge leading 0-7 to 0-6.
A minute into the second half, the sides were level after Michael O’Neill pointed for Kilmaley. Shane Golden put the ’Bridge back in front but Kilmaley then hit the front for the first time when Aidan McGuane got through for the game’s only goal.
The titleholders now had Seadna Morey at centre-back where he was very influential.
After a few bad misses, the holders drew level with points from Sheehan and Mulready as the third quarter drew to a close.
Kilmaley went back in front when John Cabey pointed and were awarded a penalty after Daire Keane was adjudged to have been fouled. Keane took the free, which went over the bar to stretch his team’s advantage to two. Alex Morey and a Sheehan free brought them level again with 10 minutes to play.
Fleming saved from Conor Cleary before Aidan McGuane put Kilmaley back in front. Pa Sheehan levelled again with five minutes still to play.
Substitute Paul Kennedy, as he had done when introduced against Newmarket in the first replay signalled his arrival when putting Kilmaley ahead again but the holders had the final say when Sheehan levelled at the death.
Both sides will point to scoring opportunities that were missed on a day when the closeness of the contest ensured that the patrons got good value.
Sixmilebridge: Stephen Fleming; Darragh McNamara, Brian Carey, Eanna Burns; Noel Purcell, Kevin Lynch, Trevor Purcell; Shane Golden (0-1), Alex Morey (0-2); Cathal O’Connor (0-1), Pa Sheehan (captain, 0-7; 0-6fs, 0-1 65’), Brian Corry; Alan Mulready (0-3), Seadna Morey, Conor Deasy.
Subs: Barry Fitzpatrick for McNamara; Darragh Fitzgerald for O’Connor.
Kilmaley: Bryan O’Loughlin; Stephen Griffey, Martin O’Connor, Darragh McMahon; Kevin McNamara, Colin McGuane, Enda Finnucane; Eoin Enright, Niall McGuane; John Cabey (0-3; 0-2fs), Conor Cleary, Michael O’Neill (0-4; 0-2fs); Killian McNamara (0-1), Daire Keane (0-1), Aidan McGuane (1-1).
Subs: Kevin Conlan for Kevin McNamara, Paul Kennedy (0-1) for Killian McNamara (55 mins).
Referee: Ger Hoey (Killanena).