Kilkenny SHL- Three goal Mullinavat lead race for Shield Final spot

Mullinavat established dominance in the opening half, led by seven points at half-time, and unlike in both previous games, this time they saw the task through to its completion as they got the better of Tullaroan.

They won by eight points on a lovely sunny afternoon before a decent crowd at Hugginstown.

Two opening half goals was the foundation of this Vegas victory. 

After 18 minutes a fine team move was finished to the Tullaroan net by captain Brian Phelan, to leave Mullinavat 1-6 to 0-4 clear.

Tullaroan goalie Niall Holland reduced the margin with a monster free from 110 metres. 

However, John Walsh put Mullinavat back five points in front from a “65”, before the same player got the Vegas second goal from a first time strike close in, this after good work from Liam Fennelly and Michael Malone.

On 25 minutes Conor Walsh pointed from midfield to leave Mulllinavat 2-8 to 0-5 clear.

By the interval Tullaroan had added three Dylan Simpson points from frees, with Michael Malone recording a sole Mullinavat point in reply.

Half time Mulllinavat 2-9; Tullaroan 0-8.

By the fifth minute of the new half Tullaroan had reduced the lead to four points thanks to three Dylan Simpson pointed frees.
John Walsh and Michael Malone got points in reply for Mulllinavat.

Charlie Cleere got a point from play for Tullaroan, but in the following three minutes Vegas added 1-2 that more or less assured victory.

John Walsh pointed from play, Brian Phelan connected with a loose floor to raise a green flag, before John Walsh added a further point in the 42nd minute.

The Vegas boys now led by ten points, 3-13 to 0-12.

In the next four minutes the North Kilkenny side did have three unanswered points, two Simpson frees sandwiching a Tomas Dunne point.

Micheal Malone (M) and Martin Keoghan (T) exchanged points, as did Adam Mansfield (M) and substitute Shane Walsh (T).

Pauraic Gahan made it 3-16 to 0-17 on 25 minutes. 

In added time Simpson had a Tullaroan point from a “65” before Joe Gahan of Mullinavat replied to leave Vegas 3-17 to 0-18 winners.

This was an excellent victory for the Mullinavat team. A feature of the game was the discrepancy of frees between both teams in what was a sporting contest.

Mullinavat only recorded two points from frees versus their opponents eleven!

This time though Mullinavat were not going to let the lead slip.

Star performers were Tom Aylward, George O’Connor, Padraic Dempsey, and Padraic Gahan in defence.  Further upfield John Walsh, Brian Phelan, along with Ger and Mick Malone shone in what was a real team performance.

For Tullaroan Padraic Walsh, Gearoid Dunne, Dylan Simpson, and Martin Keoghan worked hard throughout.

Both clubs still have plenty to play for ahead of the final round of games in a fortnight’s time as they look to seal a place in the championship quarter-finals with Thomastown already assured of top spot.

Teams and Scorers

Mullinavat: John Walsh (1-6, 1 free, 1 “65”), Brian Phelan (2-0), Michael Malone (0-4), Conor Walsh (0-2), Ger Malone, Tom Aylward (free), Adam Mansfield, Paudi Gahan, Joe Gahan (0-1 each).

Tullaroan: Dylan Simpson (0-12, 0-10 frees, 0-1 “65”), Martin Keoghan (0-2), Niall Holland (free), Charlie Cleere, Tomas Dunne, Shane Walsh (0-1 each).

Mullinavat: Seán Fitzpatrick, Eoin Dempsey, Tom Aylward, Robin Davis, George O’Connor, Pádraig Dempsey, Paidí Gahan, Joe Gahan, Mick Malone, John Walsh, Liam Fennelly, Conor Walsh, Adam Mansfield, Brian Phelan, Ger Malone.

Substitutes Used - Mikey Walsh for Eoin Dempsey, Conor Duggan for Adam Mansfield, CJ Fitzpatrick for John Walsh.

Tullaroan: Niall Holland, Joe Coughlan, Padraig Walsh, Eamon Holland, Martin Walsh, Gearoid Dunne, Bill Gaffney, Jack Keoghan, Bill Walton, John Walton, Martin Keoghan (c), Tomas Dunne, Peter Walsh, Dylan Simpson, Charlie Cleere.

Substitutes Used - Shane Walsh, Jim Moore, Ciallin Brennan.

Referee: Ray Byrne (Glenmore)