Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams edge a thrilling hurling game in the Crosco Cup

Francis Coughlan at Golden

Knockavilla Donaskeigh Kickhams booked their place in the semi-finals of the Bertie’s Bar Crosco Cup following a two-point defeat of Golden/Kilfeacle on Thursday evening. The earlier sunshine gave way to a downpour before the throw in which made conditions slippery though the pitch held up very well.

The home side dominated the early exchanges and led 0-9 to 0-3 after twenty-three minutes. Kickhams cause not helped by some bad shooting hitting eight wides over the first half an hour compared to Golden/Kilfeacle’s one. Seanie O’Halloran pointed in the opening minute and this was followed by points from Niall Heffernan Tom Byrnes and Eanna Ormond by the thirteenth minute to lead by four points to nil. Kickhams were struggling for scores and force to drop one of their forwards back in order to stem the home sides influence. Davy Butler finally got Kickhams off the mark a minute later. Kickhams rallied somewhat as the half wound down with two points from Davy Butler and a long range free from Shane Buckley to leave just three points between the sides at the break.

The early exchanges of the second half saw Golden/Kilfeacle extend their lead with points from Jack Lonergan and Sam Hall with Davy Butler having earlier reduced the gap. Kickhams though gradually started to take a grip on the game and in a ten-minute spell between the ninth and nineteenth minutes they hit 1-5 without reply. Ben Ryan got himself on the score sheet while Davy Butler kept his account ticking over. When Shane Buckley pointed another long range free, they were two points up. Buckley then found Elliott Thompson with a pass who in turn fed Cormac Carr for the first green flag. Thompson had earlier hit an earlier chance straight at Jack Currivan with the latter also denying Paudie Slattery with a great save. When Sam Hall replied with his second point it Golden/Kilfeacle’s first score in nineteen minutes. A minute later a Jack Currivan free broke around the square and when it wasn’t dealt with Jason Morey snapped on it and straight to the net. Shane Stapleton levelled with two to play and the possibility of extra-time loomed. However, Kickhams finished stronger with points from Elliott Thompson and Cormac Carr. They had to endure a nervous finish as Golden/Kilfeacle went for goal. However, their defence held out.

Kickhams will now meet the winners of Cappawhite and Sean Treacys.

Scorers & Teams;

Kickhams: Davy Butler (0-7, (0-5f)), Cormac Carr (1-1), Shane Buckley (0-2f), Walter O’Carroll ( 0-1), Ben Ryan (0-1), Paudie O’Carroll (0-1), Lorcan Carr (0-1) Elliott Thompson (0-1)

Golden/Kilfeacle: Jason Morey (1-1), Tom Byrnes (0-3, (0-2f)), Seanie O’Halloran (0-2), Sam Hall (0-2), Niall Heffernan (0-1), Eanna Ormond (0-1), Lee Hayes (0-1), Jack Lonergan (0-1), Shane Stapleton (0-1)

Kickhams: Jack Breen, Barry McCarthy, Ben Loughman, Aidan Duggan, Conor Farrell, Shane Buckley, Lorcan Carr, Paudie O’Carroll, Jamie Duncan, Walter O’Carroll, Paudie Slattery, Elliott Thompson, Cormac Carr, Davy Butler, Ben Ryan
Subs Used: Diarmuid Carr, Michael Gleeson

Golden/Kilfeacle: Jack Currivan, Jack Lonergan, Aidan O’Connell, Daithi Bargary, Cian Ryan, Cian O’Connell, Eoin Marnane, Seanie O’Halloran, Mikey Bergin, Sam Hall, Tom Byrnes, Eanna Ormond, Lee Hayes, Niall Heffernan, Jason Morey
Subs Used: Shane Stapleton

Referee: Donnacha Horan (Eire Og Annacarty Donohill)