Christy Ring Cup Senior Hurling Semi-Final
Offaly 6-30, Wicklow 0-11
Offaly cruised into the Christy Ring Cup final with a big win over Wicklow at Bord na Mona O’Connor Park.
Michael Fennelly’s side dominated from start to finish and will now play Derry in the final at Croke Park. The date and time of the fixture will be confirmed on Monday.
Strong favourites before the throw-in, life was made even easier for Offaly when Wicklow were reduced to 14 players early on.
By half time, Offaly led 5-11 to 0-5, with the goals scored by Oisin Kelly (2), Brian Duignan, Killian Sampson and Leon Fox.
It was one way traffic also in the second half, with the final goal of the game coming late on from team captain, Ben Conneely. Meanwhile, Eoghan Cahill was once again the top scorer, while many of the substitutes also made an impression, including Eimhin Kelly with 0-3.
Offaly’s play has much improved from last season and they will be very hoping of finishing the season on a high note against Derry, who defeated Sligo in the other semi-final.
The scorers
Offaly: Eoghan Cahill 0-8 (3f and one sideline), Brian Duignan 1-4, Oisin Kelly 2-1, Leon Fox 1-2, Ben Conneely 1-1, Killian Sampson 1-0, John Murphy and Eimhin Kelly 0-3 each, Jason Sampson and Shane Dooley (2f) 0-2 each, Aidan Treacy, Liam Langton, Luke O’Connor and Colm Gath 0-1 each.
Wicklow: Andy O’Brien 0-8 (7f), Eoin McCormack, Gavin Weir and Wayne Kinsella 0-1 each.
OFFALY: Conor Clancy (St Rynaghs); Paddy Delaney (Kinnitty), Ciarán Burke (Durrow), David King (Coolderry); Aidan Treacy (St Rynagh’s), Ben Conneely (St Rynaghs), Killian Sampson (Shinrone); Leon Fox (Belmont), Ross Ravenhill (Durrow); Oisin Kelly (Belmont), Liam Langton (Clodiagh Gaels), Jason Sampson (Shinrone); John Murphy (Ballinamere), Brian Duignan (Durrow), Eoghan Cahill (Birr). Subs – Luke O’Connor (St Rynagh’s) for Kelly (41m), Eimhin Kelly (Lusmagh) for Killian Sampson (41m), Shane Dooley (Tullamore) for Cahill (41m), Colm Gath (Drumcullen) for Langton (52m), Damien Egan (Belmont) for Ravenhill (55m).
WICKLOW: Cian Staunton; Michael Mangan, John Henderson, Peter Keane; Ciaran Breen, Daniel Staunton, Warren Kavanagh; Mark Murphy, Eamon Kearns; Jack Doyle, Wayne Kinsella, Shaun Cranley; Gary Hughes, Andy o’Brien, Luke Evans. Subs – Gavin Weir for Highes (15m), Martin O’Brien for Murphy (43m), Eoin McCormack for Evans (43m), Bryan Kearney (for Kavanagh (46m), Torna Mulcrony for Keane (53m).
Referee – Nathan Wall (Cork).
By Offaly PRO Sat 24th Jul
