Kilcormac-Killoughey make history with Offaly SHC four-in-a-row

Kilcormac's Adam Screeney celebrates ©INPHO/James Crombie

Kilcormac-Killoughey secured a historic fourth consecutive Offaly senior hurling championship title with a hard-fought 0-19 to 0-17 victory over Ballinamere in Tullamore this afternoon.

Adam Screeney led the scoring as the champions took control in the second quarter to establish a 0-10 to 0-6 half-time advantage, with Ter Guinan and Damien Kilmartin helping extend their lead after the restart.

Ballinamere battled back through the scores of Brian Duignan, Sam Bourke and Dan Ravenhill, but Kilcormac-Killoughey appeared comfortable at 0-19 to 0-13 with three minutes remaining.

Duignan converted three late frees to leave just two points between the sides before Mike O’Brien came agonisingly close to snatching a dramatic equalising goal in injury-time.

However, the champions survived the late scare to make Offaly hurling history, denying Ballinamere a maiden senior crown and completing a remarkable four-in-a-row.