Sunday’s Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Finals saw Thomastown and O’Loughlin Gaels secure their places in the final, with both teams delivering decisive performances.
Thomastown produced a dominant display, overcoming Mullinavat with a 1-27 to 0-12 victory. Their control of the game was evident throughout, as they comfortably outscored Mullinavat to book their place in the championship decider.
In the second semi-final, O’Loughlin Gaels overcame a determined Bennettsbridge side, winning 2-17 to 1-14. O’Loughlins showed composure when it mattered, with their defense standing firm under pressure.
After the match, Brian Hogan, O’Loughlin Gaels’ manager and former Kilkenny inter-county player, credited his team’s defensive performance for the victory. Speaking to Brendan Hennessy, Hogan highlighted the confidence and skill of his back line.
“I’m absolutely delighted with them, and they’re so comfortable on the ball, all six of them,” Hogan said. “They can play the ball through the hands, there’s no problem. There’s no issue receiving the puck-out from Stephen [goalkeeper Stephen Murphy] and then working on it. They trust each other, that comes from having a good skill set. A lot of players, when the goalie is looking at them to receive a ball, they’re like, ‘Oh no, not me,’ whereas these players will take the ball all day, no problem, and then use it well.”
Hogan’s praise underlined the defensive unit’s key role in securing the win, particularly their composure under pressure and ability to transition play from the back.
As the championship final approaches, O’Loughlin Gaels’ defensive strength will be critical as they prepare to face Thomastown in what promises to be a compelling contest.
