Kilcormac-Killoughey get lifeline as Carrig-Riverstown, Clara and Lusmagh book semi-final tickets in Offaly SHC “B”

THREE in a row seeking Kilcormac-Killoughey got a lifeline when they finally got a win in the Molloy Precast and Environmental Systems Senior “B” Hurling Championship on Friday evening.

They once again proved to be the nemesis of Clodiagh Gaels as they edged a real tight battle by 1-12 to 0-13 in Tullamore. K-K had beaten Clodiagh Gaels in the last two finals and with both sides having lost their opening two games, this was a must win one.

The Killeigh-Killurin outfit had been dealt a cruel blow with a one match ban for their star attacker Liam Langton for this and they will feel they would have won with him on board. Shane Mulrooney saved a late Cathal Brady penalty and K-K got late scores to win.

With Peter and Thomas Geraghty and Mark Mulrooney gone to senior, K-K are not the same, overwhelming force of the past two years, but they could emerge as serious contenders, though knockout hurling is still not assured.

Lusmagh and Clara were both winners when they drew 1-13 each in Banagher on Saturday evening. It put them both on five points and Coolderry's comprehensive 2-29 to 0-19 defeat at the hands of high flying Carrig-Riverstown means that Lusmagh, Clara and Carrig-Riverstown are all assured of semi-final places.

Carrig-Riverstown are on six points with Lusmagh and Clara on 5. K-K have two and Clodiagh Gaels and Coolderry are pointless.

It all means that Clodiagh Gaels are staring an early exit in the face and are reliant on results going their way. They have to beat Lusmagh and Coolderry in their last two games but even that may not be enough. If K-K get to five points, they will be through – they meet Coolderry and Clara in the last two games. Four points will almost certainly be enough for them as they have Clodiagh Gaels on the head to head rule and they will be favourites to beat Coolderry – Coolderry can also get to four points but they too are in a very difficult position.

The fixtures in round 4 are:

Clodiagh Gaels v Lusmagh;

Clara v Carrig-Riverstown;

Coolderry v Kilcormac-Killoughey.