Williams' heroics not enough as Coláiste Mhuire dream ends

Kilkenny CBS 3-21, Coláiste Mhuire 4-16

There was a hugely controversial finish to the Leinster Junior ‘A’ hurling championship semi-final at Robinstown today, as Mullingar’s Coláiste Mhuire suffered defeat against Kilkenny CBS in a thrilling encounter.

Two very cynical tackles in the dying moments denied the local side goal-scoring chances, and the visitors were reduced to 14 men when corner-back Ben Henderson was red-carded for a dangerous challenge.

Akin to the infamous Seán Kavanagh tackle in 2013 before the black card was introduced in football, the rugby tackle on Coláiste Mhuire’s Will Scahill as he raced through on goal in injury time was not appreciated by the home side. The resulting free by Conor Williams was blocked down, and Kilkenny CBS survived a goalmouth scramble to book their place in the final and dash Coláiste Mhuire's hopes of creating history.

Defeat was a cruel blow for Williams (scorer of 3-8) and his colleagues, who contributed to a fantastic hurling contest. On reflection, Coláiste Mhuire probably lost this semi-final in the opening five minutes when they conceded two goals (the second very softly) and fell seven points in arrears. It was a remarkable display to turn it around after half an hour courtesy of Conor Williams’ third goal, and they led at half-time by 3-8 to 2-10.

Coláiste Mhuire appeared to have every chance when Scahill found the net in the 45th minute to put them ahead by 4-13 to 2-13; they were still five points clear with 12 minutes of normal time remaining, but Eoin Moore's second goal was crucial for Kilkenny CBS, his shot creeping in at the near post.

The Mullingar side managed just three points in the final 22 minutes (including six minutes of added time), and that wasn't enough to get them over the line.

Former All-Ireland referee Barry Kelly came under pressure to send off Kilkenny CBS’s Padraig Meany for the challenge on Scahill, but under the rules, he could only issue a yellow card. It was a major talking point after such a wonderful game.

Scorers - Kilkenny CBS: O O’Donovan 0-11 (5f, 2 ‘65s’), E Moore 2-1, S O’Shea 1-4, P Meany, E Lynch, J Dowling, A Maher, J Dowling 0-1 each.

Coláiste Mhuire: C Williams 3-8 (0-4f, 1 ‘65’), W Scahill 1-1, T Aherne and D Burke 0-2 each, P Monaghan, C Cleary, A Connaire 0-1 each.

Coláiste Mhuire: Ryan McNamee; Niall Brady, Tomás Brennan, Liam Heffernan; Aaron Connaire, MJ Long, Cillian Walsh; Seán Byrne, Conor Cleary; Conor Maleady, Padraig Monaghan, Cian O’Mara; Dillon Burke, Conor Williams, Ted Aherne. Subs: Will Scahill for Heffernan (20), Hugo Corroon for Walsh (50).

Kilkenny CBS: Rian Dowling; Ben Henderson, David McGee, Robbie Lacey; Noah Gibbons, Josh Dowling, Oisín Henderson; Padraig Meany, Eoghan Lynch; Luke McDonald, Sam O’Shea, Adam Maher; Eoin Moore, Joe Dowling, Ollie O’Donovan. Sub: Patrick Sinnott for Dowling (60).

Ref: Barry Kelly (St Oliver Plunkett’s).