JHC SEMI-FINALSST PATRICK'S, Ballyragget, overcame a battling Ballygar (Galway) side 0-17 to 1-10 in an absorbing All-Ireland Junior Club hurling semi-final clash in Nenagh yesterday.
Playing with the aid of the wind, the Kilkenny champions dominated the opening half and led 0-11 to 0-3 at the interval thanks to the accuracy of free-taker Kevin Kelly and other scores from Bill Staunton, Michael Brennan and Brian Phelan.
Further points from Kelly and Jody Phelan extended the gap to 10 but three successive close-range frees coupled with a 43rd minute goal, all from wing-forward Eric Walsh brought Ballygar right back into contention.
Ballyragget showed their resolve with Joe Brennan picking off two fine points but Ballygar will rue key goal chances missed as Stephen Lohan kicked wide and Eric Walsh saw his shot rebound off the upright.
Elsewhere at Walsh Park it was largely one-way traffic as Cork champions Charleville overcame Fullen Gaels (Warwickshire) 1-17 to 0-6. The winners led 0-10 to 0-4 at the interval and Mark Kavanagh’s goal in the 43rd minute sealed their comfortable passage.
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