AIB All-Ireland Club JHC: Kilbrittain reach decider

AIB All-Ireland Club JHC semi-final

Kilbrittain (Cork) 2-15 Davidstown-Courtnacuddy (Wexford) 1-16

By Stephen Barry at Clonmel Sportsfield

Mark Hickey’s 12-point haul saw Kilbrittain through an intense semi-final battle against Davidstown-Courtnacuddy to reach the All-Ireland JHC decider.

The Wexford representatives had developed a reputation for goals, but Kilbrittain found more here through Conor Hogan and Luke Griffin.

Lucas Fitzpatrick struck late to make it a grandstand finish, but the men from West Cork held out to earn a Croke Park appearance next month.

Christmas songs were ringing out pre-match at a wet and wild Clonmel Sportsfield, where heavy underfoot conditions and a packed-in crowd made for a lively atmosphere.

The strong wind blew across towards the hospital side of the field, somewhat favouring Kilbrittain in the first half.

Davidstown had netted 31 goals in their 12 games this year. Here, Kilbrittain provided most of the goal threat.

Ronan Crowley skittled a brilliant early opportunity wide. It was one of five wides for the black and amber outfit in the first 10 minutes. At the other end, James Doyle gained one opening, only to be denied by David Desmond.

Kilbrittain edged 0-3 to 0-1 ahead through Crowley and two Hickey frees. Wing-forwards Pauric Doyle and David Dunne got Davidstown back level.

The Cork champions created a couple more half-chances, but had to settle for points by Tomás Sheehan and Bertie Butler.

Oisín Hayes’s long-range free-taking brought Davidstown level and briefly put them ahead as he finished with 0-10.

Hickey decided to have a go from close-range free, which Seán Cooper saved, but Kilbrittain came straight back through Butler and Philip Wall for Hogan to hit the net.

They led 1-7 to 0-8, but Griffin shot wide with another goal chance, while Fitzpatrick and Hayes trimmed the half-time deficit to one, 1-8 to 0-10.

Davidstown looked strongly placed and soon edged ahead through Joe Doyle, Pauric Doyle, and a Hayes free.

Kilbrittain steadied in the 39th minute as Hogan turned provider for Griffin’s vital goal; 2-10 to 0-13.

They wouldn’t score again for 14 minutes as Davidstown batted back to level with two Hayes placed balls and one from Kerryman Tomás O’Connor.

But when they needed it, Hickey dug Kilbrittain out with four successive points; three frees and a wonderful backfoot score from play.

James Doyle fed Fitzpatrick to ripple the roof of the net entering the final minute. There were four added, but the only score was Hickey’s insurance free.

Scorers for Kilbrittain: Mark Hickey 0-12 (10fs), Conor Hogan, Luke Griffin 1-0 each, Tomás Sheehan, Ronan Crowley, Bertie Butler 0-1 each.

Scorers for Davidstown-Courtnacuddy: Oisín Hayes 0-10 (7f, 1 65), Lucas Fitzpatrick 1-1, Pauric Doyle 0-2, Tomás O’Connor, David Dunne, Joe Doyle 0-1 each.

Kilbrittain: David Desmond; Darragh Considine, James Hurley, Eoin O’Neill; Tomás Sheehan, Aaron Holland, Colm Sheehan; Seán Sexton, Josh O’Donovan; Mark Hickey, Philip Wall, Ronan Crowley; Conor Hogan, Luke Griffin, Bertie Butler.

Subs: Nick O’Donovan for C Sheehan (35-37, blood), Conor Ustianowski for Considine (40), Declan Harrington for Hogan (56), Tomás Harrington for Butler (60+3).

Davidstown-Courtnacuddy: Seán Cooper; Seán Fitzpatrick, Eddie Kelly, Jack O’Regan; Tomás O’Connor, Seán Nicholson, James Kelly; Barry Nolan, Brian Smith; David Dunne, Lucas Fitzpatrick, Pauric Doyle; Joe Doyle, James Doyle, Oisín Hayes.

Subs: Rhyan Whelan for Nicholson (26), Eoin Cloke for Smith (50).

Referee: Nicky O’Toole (Waterford).