O'Loughlin's survive huge Mullinavat test to advance to Kilkenny SHC Final

O'Loughlin Gaels are into the St Canices Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship Final for a third succesive season after running out narrow one point winners over gallant underdogs Mullinavat.

O'Loughlin's were on top for most of the last four affair but the city side were still holding on come the end after Mullinavat threw everything at their more illustrious opponents.

A Ger Malone goal for Mullinavat in the 50th minute ensured there was a chaotic end to the contest with Brian Hogan's team glad of the final whistle after over four minutes of stoppage time.

The first half was well contested and Mullinavat were in the game from the start with John Walsh converting a 9th minute penalty past Stephen Murphy in the Gaels goal.

Luckily for O'Loughlin's, there was a swift response with Owen Wall making use of a lot of space in front of him to net a goal in reply just two minutes later to give them a 1-3 to 1-2 lead.

O'Loughlin's gradually took control through points from Mark Bergin, Luke Hogan and Conor Kelly and and while John Walsh, Joe Gahan and Ger Malone kept the Vegas boys in touch, further efforts from Hogan and Jordan Molloy left five points between them at the break.

It was point for point throughout the third quarter with John Walsh's excellence largely keeping Mullinavat in touch while O'Loughlin's kep the scorebaord ticking over through Mark Bergin, Fionan Mackessy and Jack Nolan.

Mullinavat were never out of the game and a goalmouth scramble that resulted in Ger Malone having a shot blocked near the line was a sign of things to come as not long afterwards, Mick Malone somehow kicked the ball to he net at the city end of Nowlan Park.

That major left just two points between the sides and it was very much game on with a pair of John Walsh frees leaving O'Loughlin's on tenderhooks.

Robbie Buckley made a huge impact off the bench and with Mark Bergin continuing to knock over the frees, O'Loughlin's moved three points clear.

Mullinavat were then rocked by a straight red card to George O'Connor but they were still within a puck of the ball when Adam Mansfield pointed in stoppage time.

John Walsh then pointed when going for goal with a last gasp 21 yard free and that was the last action as O'Loughlin's booked their place in the final but only just.

Teams and Scorers

O'Loughlin Gaels: Mark Bergin (0-8, 4fs and 1 '65); Fionan Mackessy (0-4, 1f); Owen Wall (1-0); Luke Hogan (0-3); Robbie Buckley (0-2); Jack Nolan, Conor Kelly, Jordan Molloy (0-1 each)

Mullinavat: John Walsh (1-9, 8fs); Mick Malone (1-1); Ger Malone, Joe Gahan (0-2 each); Brian Phelan, Adam Mansfield (0-1 each)

O'Loughlin Gaels: Stephen Murphy; Tony Forristal, Huw Lawlor, Mikey Butler; Ronan Buckley, Paddy Deegan, Jordan Molloy; Jack Nolan, Eoin O'Shea; Luke Hogan, Owen Wall, Conor Heary; Conor Kelly, Fionan Mackessy, Mark Bergin. 

Subs: Robbie Buckley for Kelly, 39 mins; Conor Walsh for Phelan, 57 mins; Greg Kelly for Hogan, 58 mins.

Mullinavat: Sean Fitzpatrick; Eoin Dempsey, Tony Aylward, Robin Davis; George O'Connor, Padraig Dempsey, Paidi Gahan; Ian Duggan, Joe Gahan; Mick Malone, Ger Malone, Conor Walsh; Liam Fennelly, Brian Phelan, John Walsh.

Subs: Adam Mansfield for C.Walsh, 39 mins; Jamie Ryan for Nolan, 57 mins; Peter McDonald for M.Malone, 63 mins.

Referee: Owen Beehan