Kiltale advance to Leinster final

Kiltale advanced to the Leinster Club IHC final today with a 2-11 to 1-12 victory over Portlaoise at Trim where they finished strongly after the Laois men lost full-forward Joe Phelan to a second yellow card two minutes after the resumption.

The teams were level five times in the first-half, but Portlaoise were ahead by 1-9 to 0-7 at the break.

However, with the extra man Kiltale gradually took control in the second-half.

The goals arrived from Kevin Ryan and Peter Durnin found the net with seven minutes remaining for a 2-9 to 1-11 advantage. Regan and Anthony Forde added  the late and crucial points.

Kiltale will meet Bennettsbridge, at a Kilkenny venue, in the decider on Saturday 28th November.

Kiltale - Shane McGann; Anthony Donnelly, David Donoghue, Ciaran Ennis; Stephen Donoghue, Ronan Ryan, Eamon Ryan; Anthony Forde (0-2), Padraig Kelly (0-1); James Kelly (0-1), John Donoghue, Jack Regan (0-4); Peter Durnin (1-2), Ross Ryan (0-1), Kevin Ryan (1-0). Subs - Shane Lenehan for Ross Ryan 49 mins, William Harnan for J Donoghue 58m.