Glenmore 2-17
Ballinakill 1-12
Second half goals from David Burke and Ger Aylward proved vital as Glenmore progressed to the semi-final of the AIB Leinster Intermediate Hurling Championship.
On a cold afternoon in Abbeyleix, Glenmore could not shrug off a spirited Ballinakill side despite leading throughout a well-contested first half. Frees were the main source of scores for both teams, with three points from Kilkenny ace Alan Murphy from dead ball situations, including a fantastic effort from within his own ’45 giving Glenmore the lead by three points at the interval. 0-09 to 0-06.
Balinakill started the second half with serious intent with a point followed swiftly by a goal to give the Laois men the lead for the first time in an enthralling encounter, 1-07 to 0-09.
That seemed to spark Declan Wall’s side into life as they finally began to get their in-form forwards on the scoresheet.
Five consecutive points and low strike that found the back of the net from Burke pushed the Kilkenny intermediate champions into a 1-14 to 1-07 lead heading into the final quarter and that defciti would prove insurmountable for the Laois intermediate champions.
Both sides exchanged scores throughout the final stages before Aylward’s goal sealed victory for what was at times a lackluster Glenmore.
Much to work on for the southern club, but they importantly got the job done in what was a tough away fixture and have deservedly advanced to the semi-finals with their next opposition not yet confirmed.
