O'Loughlin Gaels 2-17 Bennettsbridge 1-14
There were six Bennettsbridge men on the line but, between them, they couldn't stop Fionan Mackessy's rocket into the back of the net.
The Kerry man has made a blistering start to his Kilkenny club hurling career since transferring from St Brendan's in Ardfert at the beginning of the year.
Mackessy moved to Kilkenny for work commitments, joining up with last year's beaten All-Ireland club hurling finalists O'Loughlin Gaels.
He played a key role in their quarter final win over city rivals Dicksboro last weekend notching 1-4 and he was just as central in their semi-final win over Bennettsbridge.
Taking over the frees in the absence of the suspended Mark Bergin, Mackessy stunned Bennettsbridge with a rocket from the 21 after 20 minutes, sending them into the interval leading by 1-9 to 0-7.
#GAABEO 22 nóim @oloughlingaels 1-05 (8)@TheBridgeGAA 0-06 (6)
CÚL cliste ó Fionán Mackessy agus @oloughlingaels dhá phointe chun tosaigh , i bpreabadh na siúil😱😱
Goal by Fionán Mackessy!!#GAA #Hurling@KilkennyCLG
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/lh456v3VZC
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 13, 2024
The goal gave O'Loughlin Gaels a lead they wouldn't relinquish as they kicked onto win by eight, with their bid for back-to-back Kilkenny hurling titles continuing.
Mackessy showcased his power last weekend with a monster of a free, sealing their quarter final victory late on and his good form continued here.
Brian Hogan's O'Loughlin Gaels side led by five points at the break and despite their best efforts, Bennettsbridge couldn't close the gap.
A late goal by Sammie Johnstone sealed the victory for the city side, having been set up brilliantly by midfielder Jack Nolan. O'Loughlin Gaels goalkeeper Stephen Murphy made a string of late saves as Bennettsbridge came with a late rally.
David Blanchfield eventually breached his resistence but it was merely a consolation, with the Gaels holding onto win by five.
O'Loughlin Gaels will face the winners of Mullinavat and Thomastown in the final in two weeks time.
