06/05/2023: Kildysart came away with two wins today with their 2-point victory over neighbours Lissycasey, as this Cusack Cup round 5 match doubled for their O’Gorman Cup fixture. It was a close and tough affair but two goals from Keith Murphy saw Kildysart get over the line, Kildysart 2-9, Lissycasey 1-10.

The opening minutes saw the teams exchange frees before Kildysart raised the first green flag when Keith Murphy got on the end of a low-flying ball in front of goal to give Kildysart the lead 1-1 to 0-1 with 14 minutes on the clock. Lissycasey fought back and within 5 minutes the sides were level at 1-2 each. Lissycasey pulled ahead for the second and final time, before points from Luke McGrath and Fergal Ginnane put Kildysart ahead by 1. Lissycasey got the last point of the half to bring the sides level for the 4th time at the short whistle, Kildysart 1-4, Lissycasey 1-4.

The second half started the same as the first with the sides exchanging scores before points from Connor Hasset and Murphy put the Blues up by 2. Keith Murphy’s second major put a bit of distance between the sides, with 4 points being the largest margin of the match, Kildysart 2-7, Lissycasey 1-6. Three points on the trot for Lissycasey got them right back into before Mikey Donnellan’s shot off the left boot put 2 between them again with 12 minutes remaining. Luke McGrath’s score meant there was a goal between them once again. Lissycasey kept coming at Kildysart and with 7 minutes left there were only 2 between them, Kildysart 2-9, Lissycasey 1-10. But with good game management by Kildysart – that’s how it ended. Final score Kildysart 2-9, Lissycasey 1-10. Ref Jim Hickey.

Kildysart and Breckan’s remain locked in second place now on the same points difference but only two points off the top after Clondegad drew today with Ennistymon. KIB beat Doonbeg and now shares the fourth spot with Ennistymon. Doonbeg remains in 6th place and Lissycasey and Corofin (who lost to Breckan’s today) are in serious danger of relegation on 2 points with 2 rounds remaining. Round 6 sees Kildysart travel to Quilty in two weeks’ time to take on Kilmurry Ibrickane.

Team: Damien Hill, Michael Eustace, Brian Eyres, Stevie Sheehan, Rory McMahon, Kieran Leahy-captain, Fergal Ginnane (0-1), Conor Moloney, Kieran O’Brien, Luke McGrath (0-3, 1f), Seamus Casey, Mikey Donnellan (0-1), Oisin Coyle, Keith Murphy (2-2), Conor Hassett (0-3, 2f). Subs: Colm Finucane for Ginnane (59 min).