A late Fionan Mackessy goal helped the thirteen men of O’Loughlin Gaels over the line in their Kilkenny SHC quarter final against Dicksboro.
O’Loughlins appeared to be in trouble trailing by two points and having had two men sent off but the Kerryman rescued their challenge, inspiring them to a 2-17 to 0-20 success.
A transfer from St Brendan's this year due to his work commitments in Kilkenny, Mackessy has made a huge impact for the Gaels already this year and that continued in Sunday’s re-fixed city derby.
Traditionally a half back during his inter county career for Kerry, the Poc Fada champ plays centre forward for the Kilkenny city side, scoring a late 1-1 to win the game, having hit 1-4 in total.
Some thump by Poc Fada Champ 💣 @clubber 🎥 pic.twitter.com/IgNZNbqPeO
— Niall McIntyre (@NiallMcintyre) October 6, 2024
His goal was brilliantly taken having been set up by Conor Heary but his free was something special. Mackessy showed all his power, booming over from inside his own 45 to seal the deal, sparking wild scenes of celebration.
Last year’s beaten All-Ireland finalists led by two points, 1-8 to 0-9 at the break but the dismissals of Mark Bergin and Mikey Butler opened the door for the Boro.
They had the momentum, leading by three with ten minutes to go but couldn’t see it out. Points from goalscorer Luke Hogan, Jordan Molloy helped O'Loughlins back into the game before Mackessy finished the job.
It will be a big frustration for Dicksboro having lost one final, one semi-final and now two quarters in the last four years.
Fionán Mackessy. Poc Fada Champion. Sportsfile.
Their wait for another title goes on having won their last in 2017.
It’s a different story for O’Loughlin Gaels who are bidding to make it back to back Kilkenny senior hurling titles.
They will be joined in the last four by Thomastown and Bennettsbridge who won last weekend, and Mullinavat who defeated Erin’s Own Castlecomer earlier in the day. That game was also re-fixed due to last Sunday’s weather warning.
The draw for the semi-finals was made in the aftermath of the Nowlan Park double-header, with O’Loughlin Gaels to face Benenttsbridge as Thomastown take on Mullinavat next weekend.
