Kildalkey claim JHC crown and keep the dream alive

Treble still a possibility

Kildalkey today picked up what could yet be a ground-breaking treble of hurling titles when they defeated St Patrick's 2-15 to 2-11 in the JHC final at Pairc Tailteann.

Kildalkey are also in the IHC after they defeated Kilskyre/Moylagh on Saturday.

It's a remarkable achievement by a relatively small rural club to even reach three finals never mind win them, if indeed they manage to do that.

It's a testament to a great deal of hard work done by people over the years and the commitment of the current crop of players.

With the help of goals from Evan Geoghegan and Stephen Murray Kildalkey deservedly won holding off a spirited late revival by St Pat's to claim the JHC and the Tommy Kane Cup.

Ahead by 1-10 to 0-5 at the break Martin Carr's well-prepared, well motivated Kildalkey side were really motoring at times in that opening half as they pushed on to win through a combination of hard graft and some cleverly taken scores.

They led 2-11 to 0-6 early in the second-half but St Pat's came back with the help of goals from Gerald O'Donoghue and Daniel Lenehan but the Village held firm.

SCORERS

Kildalkey - Evan Geoghegan 1-5 (0-2 frees, 0-1 65); Stephen Murray 1-1; Ross Flynn 0-3; Eoin Potterton 0-2; Alex Rickard 0-2;; Enda Keogh 0-1; Rob Johnson 0-1.

St Patrick's - Gerald O'Donoghue 1-3 (0-1 free); Daniel Lenehan 1-1; Aaron Callaghan 0-2; Neil O'Flaherty 0-1.Brian Calvey 0-1; Phillip O'Brien 0-1 (f); John Paul Ryan 0-1; Gerard Smyth 0-1.

In the SHC semi-final Kildalkey defeated an underperforming Kiltale side 3-18 to 2-6. Brian O'Halloran netted twice for the winners while Nicky Potterton hit 1-9, six frees.

Chris Reilly scored two goals for Kiltale but they still trailed 2-4 to 1-11 at the interval and totally fell away in the second-half as Kildalkey inspired by super display from Brendan McKeon pushed on to secure their final place.

FULL MATCH REPORTS AND PICS FROM MATCHES IN NEXT ISSUE OF THE MEATH CHRONICLE.