St Martin's book place in final

Kilkenny SHC/ St Martin's 3-16 Fenians 3-8: Led by powerful displays from centre back James Dowling and wing forward John Mulhall, St Martin's proved too strong for Fenians (Johnstown) in yesterday's Kilkenny semi-final replay at Nowlan Park.

St Martin's began well with points from midfielders Paul Maher (two) and Shane Coonan, but Fenians' Kieran Grehan's goal made it 0-3 to 1-0 after 11 minutes. Martin's responded well and John Maher added a goal and two late pointed frees to help his team to a 1-6 to 1-3 interval lead.

At the start of the final quarter Martin's hit four unanswered points from Eoin McGrath, John Mulhall, Brian Mulhall and John Maher to move 1-15 to 1-7 in front.

The sides traded four goals in a frenetic finale - substitute Lar Ryan scored twice for Fenians - Eoin McGrath and Brian Mulhall replying with goals for Martin's.

ST MARTIN'S : C McGrath; S Cadigan, B Maher, A Murphy; N Moran, J Dowling, R Maher; P Maher (0-2), S Coonan (0-3); D Maher (0-1), John Maher (1-6), J Mulhall (0-1); E McGrath (0-1), B Mulhall (1-1) , Joe Maher. Subs: T Breen (1-1) for Joe Maher (45 mins), P Nolan for D Maher (61 mins).

FENIANS : PJ Ryan; P Phelan, J Delaney, D Garrett; G Henderson, PJ Delaney, JJ Delaney; K Grehan (1-0) , J Broderick; B Ryan, B Power, S Grehan; D Broderick (0-2), K Power (0-5) , P Quinlan. Subs : J Whelan for B Power (21 mins), L Ryan (2-0) for B Ryan (25 mins), J Ryan (0-1) for J Delaney (27 mins), C Ryan for S Grehan (46 mins).

Referee: P Dunphy (Carrigeen).

© 2007 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times