Kilmallock Under 21 Hurlers played Bruff in the second round of the championship on Friday 7th March 2014 in Martinstown. Trailing by six points to three at half-time we had it all to do in the second half against a strong Bruff side. Paddy O’Loughlin at centre-back lead by example and many of his clearances created scoring chances for our forward line who were now beginning to get on top of their opponents, turning valuable possession into scores. Mid-way through the half we had cut the margin to just a single point – 10 points to 9 – when Killian Hayes ran on to a cross field pass and without catching the sliotar he doubled on it and gave the Bruff goalkeeper no chance. This was the lift we needed and from there we were not going to be caught. Adam Costello made two top class saves at vital times when Bruff were piling on the pressure – one save when he dived at the feet of the Bruff forward as it looked as if he must score. It was end to end stuff for the final minutes and with the referees whistle poised to end proceedings the teams were deadlocked at 1-11 each. A long ball out of defence was collected by our full-forward Henry Leahy. Surrounded by Bruff defenders, all on the sideline were urging him to try for the point but Henry had other ideas – he smashed the ball to the Bruff net. A deserved winner after a heroic team display.
Kilmallock : Adam Costello, Chris Walsh, Noel Foley, Stephen Quirke, Donncha Higgins, Paddy O’Loughlin(0-2), Stephen O’Riordan, Sean Barrett, Robbie Hanley(0-1), Killian Hayes(1-1), Eamonn Leen, Conor Staunton(0-4), Conor Barry, Henry Leahy(1-2), Alan Hayes(0-1). Subs: Evan Mulcahy, Thomas English, Fergal Chawke, Micheal Houlihan, Dara Mulcahy, Colin Greene.
