SENIOR HURLERS: There was disappointment at the Gaelic Grounds as Patrickswell lost the County Championship Final against a strong Kilmallock team. Diarmaid Byrnes struck the first point of the match when his free sailed over the crossbar after just thirty seconds. When Kilmallock equalised quickly, Aaron Gillane was on hand to restore the Patrickswell lead. Two quick-fire scores from Graeme Mulcahy established a Kilmallock lead of 0-3 to 0-2 with five minutes on the clock. Patrickswell experienced a short period of dominance when three unanswered frees from Jason Gillane (0-2) and Aaron Gillane generated a Patrickswell advantage of 0-5 to 0-3 by the tenth minute. Kilmallock were unfazed and notched three consecutive points over the course of the next five minutes. Aaron Gillane’s free steadied Patrickswell and the teams reached the first half water break level at 0-6 apiece.

When play resumed, Diarmaid Byrnes had two points sandwiched between a pair of Kilmallock points. The scoreboard clock reached the 25th minute and the teams were inseparable at 0-8 each. The Balbec were stronger in the closing minutes of the first half as Mike Houlihan helped himself to three points in six minutes, while Patrick Kirby responded for Patrickswell. The referee’s whistle ended a stirring first half and Patrickswell trailed by 0-11 to 0-9.

There was a spring in the Patrickswell step at the start of the second half. Jason Gillane and Jack Kelleher scored points to equalise at 0-11 all. Although Kilmallock crept ahead with another point, Patrickswell surged ahead with four straight points in four minutes from Diarmaid Byrnes, Patrick Kirby, Thomas O’Brien and Aaron Gillane. Kilmallock responded to the ‘Well challenge with a trio of points of their own. Aaron Gillane’s free just before the last water break gave Patrickswell a narrow 0-16 to 0-15 lead with fifteen minutes left. The spectators were on the edge of their seats for the final quarter of the match.

Kilmallock poured forward and accumulated three points in a four-minute burst. The scoreboard clock clicked to the 50th minute and Kilmallock were now 0-18 to 0-16 ahead. Diarmaid Byrnes reduced the arrears to a single point, before Graeme Mulcahy and Aaron Gillane exchanged points. There were only six minutes left and Kilmallock were narrowly leading by 0-19 to 0-18. The decisive moment of the match occurred when Kilmallock’s Oisin O’Reilly surged through the Patrickswell defence and delivered a low drive into the far corner. There was now daylight between the teams as Kilmallock led by four points at 1-19 to 0-18. Aaron Gillane’s free point put the ‘Well within a goal and set up an exciting finish. Sadly, Kilmallock were now in fifth gear and they closed out the match with five consecutive points in the last six minutes. The final score was 1-24 to 0-19 to Kilmallock. Hard luck to the players and management. It was a great achievement to reach the County Final.

UNDER 21 HURLERS: The U-21 hurlers start their Premier Hurling Championship campaign with a match against Ahane on Friday October 29 at 8.15pm in Caherdavin.  Tickets can be purchased at this link – Match Tickets…

CLUB LOTTO: The Club Lotto draw on Monday October 18 was not won. The numbers drawn were 11, 17, 20 and 21. The bonus number was 4. The €100 Lucky Dip was won by Annie c/o Mary O’Neill and the €20 prizes were claimed by Michael Byrnes, Lucy & Sadie Normoyle, John O’Mahoney, Alannah c/o Mary O’Neill and Ann O’Donoghue. This week’s jackpot is €9,200.

CLUB LIMERICK DRAW: October’s draw will take place this Saturday October 30 during the Live 95FM Sports Programme between 10am and 11am. If you would like to renew or update your membership, please follow the link www.clublimerick.ie/draw and select “Patrickswell” as the club you wish to support and the number of draws that you wish to sign up for (there are three draws remaining). If you wish to renew through the club, please contact Seamus O’Riordan at 087-2869175.

October’s exclusive Star Prize is a two-night stay at the Fitzgerald Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, champagne in the room on arrival, dinner in Timmy Macs Bistro and monthly tempting treats for two people at Revas Spa.  As always, there is the monthly cash top prize of €10,000 and 28 more cash prizes.