A CONTROLLED display helped Kilbrin overcome a battling Millstreet in the Duhallow U21 Hurling Championship semi final played at a bitterly cold Meelin last Sunday.
A chilly wind cut through the proceedings yet at least, the hurling warmed the dedicated patrons viewing the fare on offer. And at the end of the hour, Kilbrin hurled with far greater passion and purpose.
Millstreet put together a decent account of themselves and though goals brought them back into contention, Kilbrin held a facility to respond, their self belief unshakeable to sway matters.
Kilbrin’s game had started at a brisk pace, availing on a pair of Kieran Sheahan points to dictate matters. Millstreet boosted by the fresh breeze, got to grips with the situation with Dean Desmond, Kieran Sheehan, Mark Ellis and David McCaul to the fore.
Their hopes brightened on Michel Murphy nipping in to goal after a Elllis free fell short. However Kilbrin enjoyed the bulk of possession, Liam Daly and Sheahan finding the target with points. Millstreet relied heavily on Ellis for scores to allow a stalemate 1-3 to 0-6 position at the break.
Kilbrin re-emerged a more determined outfit, the industry of Tom Brennan, William Egan, Wesley Corkery, Sheahan and Daly evident. The latter pair clipped over a trio of points to confirm a spell of supremacy.
Millstreet attempted a recovery, Ellis pointing yet they were left to bemoan a run of missed chances. A sharper Kilbrin answered on points to Mark Sheahan and Egan to put some daylight between the sides.
Millstreet were far from a spent force and the game was thrown open on Darren Murphy placing Michael Vaughan to net. However Kilbrin failed to be ruffled, back to back points from David O’Sullivan wriggled their way out of trouble and ultimately secure Kilbrin a ticket into the decider.
Match report from the Corkman newspaper
Another report from the corkman that is just not accurate. It wasn’t Kilbrin’s “greater passion” that won them the game it was their greater firepower when it came to freetaking. If anything it was Millstreet’s passion that was the dominating feature of this game. Their workrate and effort was refreshing despite being up against a very fancied Kilbrin site. Mark Ellis was sensational as always but there is no mention of Darren Sheahan who had a magnificent game.