Grehan pulls out all the stops as Mountmellick secure semi-final place

Mountmellick did the business in Pairc Acragar on Thursday evening, beating a resilient Abbeyleix side by five points. Two goals from Jimmy Hilliard proved to be the difference as Mountmellick topped Group A.

The hosts started brightly but Abbeyleix fought back extremely well, getting to within a point of Mountmellick having been down by seven mid-way through the first half. Eoin Reilly and Liam Kavanagh led the charge for the visitors, but they came up just short in a very entertaining encounter.

Mountmellick 2-12

Abbeyleix 1-10 

Both these sides had the perfect start to the Intermediate Hurling Championship, each beating Clonad and The Harps in the opening two rounds. The win, therefore, means Mountmellick are straight through to the semi-finals, while Abbeyleix will need to negotiate their way through the quarters.

Mountmellick got off to a flyer when Jimmy Hilliard found the net after just 90 seconds to open the scoring. The move started with a great take from Jarlath Connolly and once the ball found its way to Hilliard, there was no stopping his strike.

Mountmellick scored four points to lead 1-4 to 0-1 after 10 minutes and kept the scoreboard ticking over to lead by seven points after 20 minutes.

Abbeyleix have been so impressive in their first year up from junior and they began to win the arm wrestling in the final period of the half. The visitors scored three without reply to get right back in the game.

It could have been much more, but for an outstanding first half from Mountmellick goalkeeper Dan Grehan.

Abbeyleix also hit eight wides in the first half, which ultimately proved costly. They trailed at half time by 1-8 to 0-7.

Hilliard and Reilly traded frees early in the second half before Abbeyleix really began to turn it on. Reilly scored all 1-3 of his side's second-half scores, and all off placed balls. 

His goal in the 43rd minute almost burst the net and brought Abbeyleix to within two. He then cut the deficit to a single point with the game entering the final quarter.

But just two minutes later, Finn Culleton went on an inspired run through midfield, played it off to Nigel Murphy who picked out Hilliard with a lovely ball, allowing Mountmellick's star man to finish well.

The hosts got out of jail a few times in this game and have their goalkeeper to thank. Grehan had a sublime first half, making three big saves to keep Abbeyleix at bay. The most important, however, came three minutes from time, with Mountmellick up by four and Eoin Reilly bearing down on goal. Grehan stood his ground and made a super save, which proved to be the winning of the game.

Mountmellick were far from at their best this evening, but will take comfort in knowing they have won three from three without playing anywhere near their best. Abbeyleix will also pose a big problem from whoever they meet in the quarter-final.