Round-Up: PTSB Dublin Premier IHC and IHC

We reached the midway point in the PTSB Dublin Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship on Saturday night with Setanta well placed in second spot in the table following their 1-27 to 1-19 victory against Lucan Sarsfields in Poppintree. 

After a tough league campaign, the hosts have found their form with the talented Ryan Clarke leading the way in terms of scores as he finished the contest with 0-15 to his name with seven of those points coming from play. 

Setanta were buoyed by a strong end to the first-half as they scored 1-4 in quick succession with their goal coming from former Dublin attacker Fionntán Mac Gib. 

Dean Cullen was another to catch the eye with a strong showing at full-forward while at the opposite end of the field, both Fiachra Kelly and Seán Ó Riain ensured there was no way back for Lucan. 

That victory left Setanta two points behind leaders Fingallians who picked up their fourth win on the bounce as late goals from Harry Brogan and Mick Rock saw them edge Naomh Olaf by 3-20 to 3-15 in Páirc Uí Bhriain. 

Cuala are another side with a knock-out aspirations as they joined Setanta on six points after overcoming Na Fianna by 5-18 to 3-16 in Shanganagh Park. 

It was nip-and-tuck for the large part with Cuala best served at the back by Lochlann Sheehan and Eoin O’Carroll while Des Duggan to the fore around the middle third. 

Scores from Brian O’Mahony and Gavin King kept Na Fianna in the hunt but with Justin Byrne a lively presence in attack, the hosts claimed the points through late goals from Hugh Egan and Joseph McDonough. 

The final fixture was a thrilling affair in The Bogies as Scoil Uí Chonaill registered their first point of the campaign when sharing the spoils with Naomh Fionnbarra on a scoreline of 2-20 to 4-14.   

PTSB Premier IHC: Setanta 1-27 Lucan Sarsfields 1-19; Naomh Olaf 3-15 Fingallians 3-20; Naomh Fionnbarra 2-20 Scoil Uí Chonaill 4-14; Cuala 5-18 Na Fianna 3-16. 

In the PTSB Dublin Intermediate Hurling Championship, matters became even tighter at the summit of the table with just two points separating seven teams after four rounds. 

With previously unbeaten Round Towers Clondalkin losing at home to St Vincent’s by 1-15 to 2-9, Good Counsel/Liffey Gaels made ground on the leaders following their thrilling 1-17 to 0-19 win against Kilmacud Crokes in Silver Park. 

In what was a strong team performance by the visitors, it was their ability to keep a clean sheet that proved pivotal on the night with goalkeeper Cillian Egan leading the way with an exceptional display between the sticks. 

He received strong protection throughout thanks to outstanding defensive showings from Pat O’Carroll, Cathal Mahon and Conor Forrester while Adam Skelly was a driving force in the away midfield. 

This allowed Sean O’Callaghan, Shane Kirby and Barry O’Reilly to impress up front with the latter sealing their victory with a goal in the final minute.

It was similarly thrilling in Dolphin Park as Kevins leapfrogged O’Toole’s into joint second spot as a result of their narrow 2-14 to 1-16 over the Larriers. 

After two draws and a loss, Crumlin finally registered their first win of the campaign as they proved too strong for bottom side Ballyboden St Enda’s, winning by 5-17 to 0-15 in Ballycullen.  

There was only two points separating the teams at the turnaround but Crumlin dominated after the break with defenders Con Foley and Darragh Fitzgerald in fine form while two goals apiece from Lee Coleman and Conor Murphy left them comfortable winners by the final whistle.  

PTSB IHC: Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-15 Crumlin 5-17; Kevins 2-14 O’Toole’s 1-16; Round Towers Clondalkin 2-9 St Vincent’s 1-15; Kilmacud Crokes 0-19 Good Counsel/Liffey Gaels1-17.