Round-Up: PTSB Dublin Premier Intermediate & Intermediate Hurling Championships- Round 5

Setanta kept up the pressure on leaders Fingallians as they overcame Scoil Ui Chonaill by 1-23 to 1-19 in their PTSB Dublin Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Round 5 encounter at Clontarf Road on Saturday evening. 

In what was a strong team performance by the visitors that saw eight players contribute on the scoreboard, it was Ryan Clarke that seized the scoring honours once again with a personal tally of 0-11.

At the opposite end of the field, both Alex Mulvihill and Seán Ó Riain excelled in the Setanta defence with the latter’s distribution in difficult conditions pivotal to his team’s victory.

With the teams deadlocked in the closing stages, the visitors landed the decisive blow as quick-thinking by Clarke allowed Fionntan MacGib the chance to fire home, clinching their fourth win in the group to date.

Setanta still remain two points behind a Fingallians side that were pushed all the way before edging a battling Cuala by 1-22 to 3-15 in Lawless Park.

Dublin Under 20 attacker Aron Gargan caught the eye up front with a total of twelve points, eight of which came from placed balls.

The intercounty experience and workrate of Darragh Power was also a major factor over the hour while Eoin O’Connor ensured that Fins finished strongly to preserve their unbeaten run.

Elsewhere, Naomh Olaf haven’t given up hope of finishing in the promotion spots as they edged Na Fianna by 2-17 to 1-17 and on a night of tense finishes, Lucan Sarsfields also had three points to spare as they accounted for Naomh Fionnbarra by 1-17 to 2-11.  

PTSB Premier IHC RESULTS: Lucan Sarsfields 1-17 Naomh Fionnbarra 2-11; Scoil Uí Chonaill 1-19 Setanta 1-23; Fingallians 1-22 Cuala 3-15; Na Fianna 1-17 Naomh Olaf 2-17.

There was further drama to be found in the PTSB Dublin Intermediate Hurling Championship as Round Towers Clondalkin preserved their narrow lead at the summit of the table when pipping O’Toole’s by 2-13 to 1-15 at Blunden Drive.

The hosts seized the early initiative as they raced 1-3 to 0-1 ahead but Towers brought their deficit back to a more manageable two points by the interval thanks to excellent individual displays by Liam O’Connor, Gary Quinlivan and Stephen Barry.

Despite the Larriers restoring their five-point lead in the third quarter, the visitors clawed their way back into contention through a goal from substitute Harry Kelly and influential showings from Rory Broderick, Darren Gilligan and Sam Mulvaney.

A superb solo goal by Craig Doherty edged Towers in front and while the hosts levelled in the dying minutes, there was sufficient time for Doherty to convert a winning free with the last puck of the contest.

Matters were far more straightforward at Galtymore Road as Good Counsel/Liffey Gaels maintained their grip on second spot when beating bottom placed Ballyboden St Enda’s by 1-18 to 0-11.

The foundation for their victory lay at the back through the efforts of goalkeeper Luke Thomas with Conor Forrester, Brian McGrath and Pat O’Carroll also shining in a defensive capacity.

This allowed the likes of Sean O’Callaghan, Cillian Egan and Luke Blood the chance to sparkle in attack as the hosts stayed within a point of leaders Towers.

Elsewhere, both Kilmacud Crokes and St Vincent’s kept up the pressure on the Top 2 with precious victories over Crumlin and Kevins respectively.      

PTSB IHC RESULTS: O’Toole’s 1-15 Round Towers Clondalkin 2-13; Good Counsel/Liffey Gaels 1-18 Ballyboden St Enda’s 0-11; St Vincent’s 2-22 Kevins 2-14; Crumlin 1-18 Kilmacud Crokes 3-13.