Clonoulty fightback too late

Although Patrickswell dominated this Munster club senior hurling championship semi-final at the Gaelic Grounds yesterday for …

Although Patrickswell dominated this Munster club senior hurling championship semi-final at the Gaelic Grounds yesterday for most of the journey, they were given a fright towards the finish when Clonoulty-Rossmore cut the deficit to just two points.Gary Kirby was in great form in the opening twenty minutes when seven points from him had his side comfortably ahead 0-8 to 0-1.It was then that Clonoulty, who had gone 18 minutes without a score, began to find their feet, thanks mainly to Kevin Ryan, John Kennedy and Aidan Butler.Mick Kennedy started the revival in earnest with a well taken point followed by another and then Kevin Ryan gave the visitors a ray of hope as they trailed by just six points 0-11 to 0-5 at the interval.County player Declan Ryan spearheaded the visitors' second-half revival and it took four marvellous points from Anthony Carmody to ease the pressure on Patrickswell.With five minutes remaining it was 0-15 to 013; but enter Gary Kirby again to record two more points and with a final puck of the ball, Aidan Butler pointed for Clonoulty.In the final, Patrickswell will meet either Clarecastle or Ballygunner of Waterford, who clash next Sunday.