Hickey hat trick cracks it for Rock

Rock Rovers 3 Killarney Celtic 2

Stephen Hickey continued his great goalscoring form in this FAI cup tie played at McDonough park in Newmarket on Sunday.

Rock Rovers 3 Killarney Celtic 2

Stephen Hickey continued his great goalscoring form in this FAI cup tie played at McDonough park in Newmarket on Sunday.
A hat trick from the Clarecasatle man steered Rock Rovers to an impressive win over visitors Killarney Celtic in what was a lively and entertaining tie.
Visitors Killarney took the lead after half an hour when Stephen Hayes scored but Rock hit back quickly and Hickey headed the equaliser leaving the teams tied at 1-1 at half time.
There were few scoring chances in the third quarter but then the tempo was raised and Hickey scored a tremendous individual goal to put the home side back in front.
Stung by this reverse, Killarney hit back immediately and they levelled through Paudge O’Connor whose effort went to the net via the upright.
With thoughts turning to extra time, Rock Rovers put together a great move. Daryl Eade and Marty McLoughlin combined to put Eoin Glynn away on the wing and his cross was powerfully headed home by Hickey for what proved to be the winning goal.
Killarney tried hard to get back into contention but the Rock defence and goalkeeper Eric Murphy held firm.

Rock Rovers: Eric Murphy; Ciaran Russell, Ronan Judge, Shane Daniels, Daryl Eade; Dean Gardiner, Francis Daniels, Ashley Glynn, David Considine, Eoin Glynn, Stephen Hickey.
Subs: Marty McLoughlin, David Ryan.

Kilkishen Celtic 1 Bunratty 3

Bunratty got off to a great start in this tie and took the lead after just eight minutes through Colum Treacy.
Kilkishen equalised through Paul Murphy after good work by Eoin Pewter and the sides went to the break level at 1-1.
Ten minutes into the second half, Bunratty were back in front when a looping header from Tadhg Keogh found the net. They doubled their lead with 15 minutes remaining when Shane O’Connor scored from a free kick.
The winners finished the game with ten men after Eoin Nash was sent off.

Kilkishen Celtic: Brian Culbert; Michael Fleming, Colm Gleeson, Matt Holmes, Flan McMahon; Jack Murnane, Eoin Pewter, Shane McInerney, Fergus Donovan; Stevie Donnellan, Paul Murphy.
Subs: James Hook for Gleeson; Alan McInerney for S McInerney; John Cooney for Murnane.

Bunratty: Fintan Quinn Shane Purcell Eoin Nash Gearóid O’Connell, Tadhg Keogh, Seán McDonald Evan Glynn Jamie Cullen Shane O’Connor Daithi O’Connell Colum Treacy.
Subs: Chris Griffin for Jamie Cullen; Marty Russell for Daithi O’Connell.