Castleknock 2-20 Kilmacud Crokes 2-8

Behind by three points at half-time, a dramatically transformed Castleknock then went on to outscore Kilmacud by 1-15 0-3 in the second-half of what was effectively a winner-takes-all, Junior ‘B’ Hurling Cup Semi-Final under lights in bitingly cold Somerton this evening (Sept.24).

In spite of a slow start Castleknock led by 1-4 0-4 after the first 20 minutes. Luke Gubbins got the home team off the mark with a well-struck point, followed by a speculative shot from the flying Mick McCloskey which ended up in the Crokes net.

Andy Lonergan, Shane Coffey and Ronan McCann then added further points but in the final ten minutes of the half in response to another Andy Lonergan point Crokes scored 2-1 and so at the break the visitors lead by 2-5 1-5 and the game appeared to be wide open.

However, what happened in the third quarter surprised everyone as Castleknock took almost complete control outscoring Kilmacud by 1-8 0-1 and that one Crokes point came from a free.

Substitute Evan McSherry scored four points, one a huge effort from out on the right and his speed and accuracy were a delight to behold. Andy Lonergan tagged on three points of his own, the third a well-deserved reward for his sheer determination and forceful running.

Midfielder Aaron O’Gara swept forward to add another point and Ronan McCann who was a constant threat to the Crokes defence lashed the sliotar to the net to put Castleknock seven points clear, 2-13 2-6.

The final quarter then saw Mick McCloskey turning on the style, landing three terrific points from distance. Luke Gubbins made it look easy as he brought his total for the evening to three points while Evan McSherry and Ronan McCann points put the icing on the cake of a tremendous Castleknock display which would have been even better had Sean Andrews not been denied a goal when his shot crashed back off the Crokes post.

The defence was unbeatable in that second-half and it was the performance of the back six in which Ben O’Neill was outstanding which gave Castleknock the possession needed to take control of the game. All in all a very satisfying evening, the result of which now means a Junior ‘B’ Hurling Cup Final against Naomh Fionnbarra.

Castleknock: Eoin McCambridge: Declan Tobin; David McInerney; Ben O’Neill; Brian Carter; Luke McCann; Sean Andrews; Jack Purcell; Aaron O’Gara (0-1); Mick McCloskey (1-3); Shane Coffey (0-1); Ronan McCann (1-2); Joe Murray; Andy Lonergan (0-5); Luke Gubbins (0-3). Subs: Evan McSherry (0-5); Ciaran Fay.

Manager: Kevin McCambridge.
Reoport: Kevin Mallo