Carrickshock avoid the 'shock' of relegation as they send Conahy Shamrocks down

Two second half goals from Eoghan O'Neill sent Carrickshock on their way to victory in a crucial Michael Lyng Motors Hyundai Intermediate Hurling Relegation Final against Conahy Shamrocks at the James Stephens GAA grounds on Saturday.

O'Neill (2-8) was instrumental to the southerners, netting in the 32nd and 53rd minutes as Shane Lanigan's team turned around a one point half-time deficit to a three point win by the call of time.

However, proceedings could have played out so differently with Conahy Shamrocks dominating much of the first half but failing to make it pay on the scoreboard with some wasteful deliveries and wides.

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A strong five minute period between the 16th and 21st minutes put the Jenkinstown faithful in a reasonably good position as Eoin Cahill, Tom Phelan and a brace from James Bergin left the scoreline at 0-8 to 0-4 in their favour.

Carrickshock began to find their feet as the clock ticked down in the first half and a hat-trick of Eoghan O'Neill points in the last nine minutes guided them to within one of their opponents at the break.

The second half started with a bang as Eoghan O'Neill's 32nd minute goal gave his team a dream start but it would be far from smooth sailing for Carrickshock.

A resilient Conahy Shamrocks stayed in touch and scored four points (James Bergin 0-3) without reply to take the advantage at 0-17 to 1-12 with 10 minutes to play.

The men from the Polo Grounds could have had even more joy just a short time later as a Tom Phelan goal effort couldn't raise the green flag their supporters were wishing for.

That purple patch though would provide the necessary warning for Carrickshock, who aided by an impactful bench, bagged 1-4 in the last nine minutes, including a second goal from Eoghan O'Neill to secure their intermediate status for 2025.

Full match report in People Sport this week

Carrickshock - Jamie Power; Edward Dunphy, John Cahill, Padraig Lennon; Niall Tennyson, John Power, Sean Moore; Brian Donovan, Michael Rice; James Grace, Jake O'Dwyer, Kieran Conway; Eoin Crowley, Eoghan O'Neill, Kevin Farrell.

Conahy Shamrocks - Karl Downey; Ciaran rice, Philly Cass, Liam Cass; Donal Brennan, Brian Healy, Darragh Hennessy; Eoin Cahill, Tom Phelan; Tom Rice, Kieran Mooney, Jack Murphy; Rob Ring, James Bergin, David Healy.

Referee - Stephen Delaney (Graigue Ballycallan)

Listen to the latest episode of the Kilkenny People Sport Podcast below: