The main talking points as St Lachtain's secure place in next months All-Ireland JHC Final

Main Man
Liam Hickey (St Lachtain’s)
With eight points in total and three from open play, Freshford attacker Liam Hickey took up the mantle of go to man in the absence of former Kilkenny star James Maher as he helped his team march up a winning tally. Since returning from injury, the experienced Hickey has given St Lachtain’s an extra dimension in the forward line and he will be hopeful of another big outing in the final.

Highlight
On a dark and dreary afternoon for hurling, the St Lachtain’s second goal was a real thing of beauty as Liam Hickey caught out the Easkey defence with a well worked quick free to Cathal O’Leary who made no mistake in burying the sliotar to the net.

Turning Point
Freshford controlled the game from the outset with Shane Donnelly batting in a goal after only 20 seconds of action. Another goal followed moments later and it was always an uphill task for the Sligo side from that point on.

Talking Point
This was a very satisfying performance and result for Steven Farrell’s outfit and even more pleasing with the fact that they lined out without both Brian Kennedy and James Maher.

What’s Next
It’s a second successive All-Ireland semi-final defeat for Easkey while Freshford now go on to face Russell Rovers in yet another Kilkenny and Cork junior final at Croke Park in the new year.