Senior Hurling Club Championship

Hard luck to the seniors who, despite a gallant performance, eventually went down to Kilmallock by 0-22 to 1-14 on Sunday in the Gaelic Grounds and unfortunately exited the 2019 championship. With promotion already secured for next year having topped Group B, Ahane were really in bonus territory as they faced the men from the Balbec. The first half saw both sides having periods of dominance with some fine scores in the greasy conditions. The Ahane scores came via the sticks of Tom Morrissey, Niall Moran and a well worked short-side-line which saw Ronan Fox score a fine point from the open stand side-line. Kilmallock finished the half the stronger with 4 points on the trot to leave Ahane trailing by 0-11 to 0-10 at the break.

The resumption of the game saw both teams continue to trade scores as both sides wrestled gain the upper hand. Ahane were boosted by the dismissal of one of the Kilmallock forwards early in the second half but Kilmallock's clever use of the ball ensured they did not appear to be adversely affected by being down to 14 men. Indeed seven Kilmallock scores in row during the second period, which was only interrupted by a Tom Morrissey free on 47 minutes, left the scores 0-20 to 0-13 to Kilmallock. We were then given an apparent lifeline when Niall Moran buried a 21m free to leave 4 points between the sides. Niall followed this up with his fifth from play to leave only three between the sides with 3 minutes to play and momentum on our side.

While the lads played out the last phase with the hunger you’d expect from any side chasing a game, Kilmallock perhaps showed a little more experience and composure to see out the game, notching the final two scores of the hour meaning Ahane lost out 1-13 to 0-22 meaning Kilmallock move on to face Na Piarsaigh in the semi-final.

Well done to the lads on a courageous performance which will leave them with plenty to look forward to in 2020 as they step up to Group A for the championship. Maith thú to the management and players for their time and effort over the course of the year. Roll on 2020.