Kilkenny SHL- New-look O’Loughlin Gaels see off Shamrocks to maintain winning run

O’Loughlin Gaels rounded off the group stages of the Senior Hurling League with a faultless record after they beat Shamrocks in John Locke Park last Saturday afternoon.

Both the Gaels and Shamrocks were already settled on what positions they would finish in the league and as a result, the two teams made wholesale changes but it was O’Loughlins who got more out of the game in the end.

With the likes of Paddy Deegan, Huw Lawlor and Owen Wall missing out for the county champions and TJ Reid, Eoin Cody and Adrian Mullen sidelined for the opposition, it was a chance for a couple of new names to take the accolades.

The first half was where O’Loughlins put the foot down and essentially put the game to bed as they led 0-13 to 0-5 at the half-time interval with the likes of Jamie Ryan, Alex Sheridan and Conor Kelly showing well for Brian Hogan’s side.

The Shamrocks were very careless in front of goal throughout that opening period but they certainly improved in the second half and when Niall Shortall and Evan Shefflin reduced the gap to six mere minutes upon the resumption, it looked like the game would be closely fought.

The O’Loughlins hit back was more than defiant though and when Kelly on the frees and David Fogarty and Sean Bolger from play made it a ten point game in the 36th minute, there looked to be only one winner.

Shamrocks did grab something of a lifeline when John Fitzpatrick forced the sliotar past Stephen Murphy despite appearing to stumble when entering the square.

A further two points from Shortall and Finnian Shefflin had Shamrocks within range but their chances all but ended when O’Loughlins sub Ryan Poyntz struck for goal down the other end.

Both sides then emptied the benches before the end but O’Loughlins were able to hold off their opposition at relative ease as they secured a 1-23 to 1-18 success.

O’Loughlins will now get another chance to test out their squad when they face Tullaroan in this weekend’s league final but for Shamrocks it’s a much different scenario as they meet James Stephens for a clash that will see the loser compete in the relegation final.

Expect a huge crowd in Callan for that one.

Teams and Scorers

O’Loughlin Gaels: Conor Kelly (0-9, 9fs); Jamie Ryan (0-4); Ryan Poyntz (1-0); Alex Sheridan (0-3); Sean Bolger, Paddy Butler, David Fogarty (0-2 each); Conor Heary (0-1)

Shamrocks: Niall Shortall (0-5, 4fs); John Fitzpatrick (1-1); Evan Shefflin (0-3); Stephen Barron, Conor Walsh, Finnian Shefflin (0-2 each); Liam Barron, Eoin Kenneally, Cian Cullen (0-1 each)

O’Loughlin Gaels: Stephen Murphy; Ronan Buckley, Tony Forristal, Mikey Butler; David Fogarty, Jamie Young, Matthew Russell; Jamie Ryan, Jack Nolan; Paddy Butler, Conor Kelly, Conor Heary; Sean Bolger, Eoin O’Shea, Alex Sheridan.

Subs: Oisin Murphy for Butler, h-t; Ryan Poyntz for Heary, 40 mins; Evan Walsh for Nolan, h-t; Barry Lawlor for Forristal, 50 mins; John McNamara for Bolger, 50 mins.

Shamrocks: Dean Mason; Dara Mason, Joey Holden, Paddy Hearne; Evan Shefflin, Richie Reid, Liam Barron; Conor Walsh, Chris Coady; Eoin Kenneally, Larry Cody, Paddy Mullen; Stephen Barron, Niall Shortall, John Fitzpatrick.

Subs: Finnian Shefflin for Mullen, h-t; Cian Cullen for Dara Mason, h-t; Ed Fitzpatrick for Walsh, h-t; Jack Holden for S Barron, 54 mins; Tomas Barron for Hearne, 54 mins.

Referee: Conor Everard (Graigue Ballycallan)