High-flying Kildalkey and Clann na nGael secure final places

With a power-packed performance Kildalkey swept aside the challenge of a tired Longwood side in the SHC semi-final at Pairc Tailteann this evening running out winners on a 4-19 to 1-11 scoreline. In the IHC semi-final Clann na nGael also tasted success. 

Kildalkey took an early lead and they never reliquished it building on a 2-11 to 0-7 half-time lead to wrap up a victory that as deserved as the scoreline suggests. 

Nicky Potterton bagged Kildalkey's opening goal after just eight minutes with a typically pacy run that torn up the Longwood defence with Padraig Geoghegan adding another soon after and set the Village firmly on the course to victory. 

In the first minute of the seocnd-half Patrick Conneely added a thrid goal with Niall McNally coming on as a substitute to fire home KIldalkey's fourth. 

Longwood also found the net through substitute Ross Healy but it was late on and proved no more than a consolation. 

Conneely also made a big contribution to Kildalkey's cause with eight points from frees. Luke Rickard capped an outstanding display for Kildalkey with three points. 

Anthony Healy fired over five points from frees for Longwood who were unable to match Kildalkey's hot tempo. 

In the curtain-raiser at Pairc Tailteann Clann na nGael defeated Gaeil Colmcille in the IHC semi-final 0-20 to 0-9. Calum O'Sullivan capped an outstanding display for the winners with 12 points, six frees. 

SEE MATCH REPORTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS FROM BOTH GAMES IN NEXT ISSUE OF THE MEATH CHRONICLE