20/05/2023: Despite a brave comeback, it wasn’t enough, as Kildysart lost out to Kilmurry Ibrickane by a point in round 6 of the Cusack Cup, Kildysart 2-5, KIB 1-9. Their semi-final hopes are still alive but may be dependent on the outcomes of Sunday’s remaining round 6 matches and the final round on the June bank holiday Monday.

Before one minute had elapsed, Rory McMahon had Kildysart on the scoreboard firing a long-range shot through the uprights. Two from KIB and a reply from Seamus Casey had the sides level at 2 points a piece in the 10th minute. KIB struck over three more but a free from Conor Hassett cut the deficit to 2, KIB 0-5, Kildysart 0-3 with 6 minutes remaining in the half. Then Luke McGrath gathered the resulting kickout, passed off to Seamus Casey who in turn fed the on-running Fergal Ginnane, who fired the ball low and into the far corner for Kildysart’s first goal. KIB got the last score of the half and it was level for the third time, Kildysart 1-3, KIB 0-6.

The second half started with the sides swapping points but that was the last time the teams were level. KIB were up by one when a brave save from Damien Hill, at point-blank range, kept Kildysart in the game. There was no score for the next 15 minutes before the ‘Bricks raided for a goal to put 5 between the sides with 7 minutes remaining, Kildysart 1-4, KIB 1-9. At 60 minutes, substitute Diarmuid O’Donnell, making his first appearance since being sidelined at the start of last year’s championship with an ACL injury, slotted over a free to narrow the gap to 4. Less than a minute later, a high ball was gathered in the square and with a mixture of Kildysart fists, was sent to the back of the net – leaving only a single point between the sides, Kildysart 2-5, KIB 1-9. The lads gave it everything they had in a very physical and draining match, but the ref blew the full-time whistle and that’s how it ended. Kildysart 2-5, KIB 1-9.

Kildysart: Damien Hill, Michael Eustace, Brian Eyres, Stevie Sheehan, Rory McMahon (0-1), Kieran Leahy, Conor Moloney, Kieran O’Brien, Luke McGrath (0-1), Mikey Donnellan, Seamus Casey (0-1), Fergal Ginnane (1-0), Oisin Coyle, Keith O’Connor-captain, Conor Hassett (0-1, 1f). Subs: Diarmuid O’Donnell (0-1, 1f), for Hasset (53 min), Ian Flanagan for Coyle (53 min). [second goal-unknown]. Referee Barry Keating.

The remaining Round 6 matches are being played on Sunday at 6pm, so the resulting table will not be known until then. With the win, KIB are now in second place with Kildysart and Breckans on 7 points, but Breckans have a game in hand. Tomorrow's matches: Clondegad v Corofin, Breckans v Ennistymon, Doonbeg v Lissycasey.