JJ Kavanagh Kilkenny Premier Junior Hurling Championship Semi-Final.
Conahy Shamrocks 1-21; John Lockes 1-18.
John Power at UPMC Nowlan Park.
Conahy Shamrocks produced a powerful finish to overcome John Lockes of Callan by three points in a thrilling JJ Kavanagh Junior Hurling Championship semi-final at UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday. In a contest that remained in the balance for almost the entire hour, the Northern side showed their experience and composure when it mattered most to secure their place in the county final.
The Shamrocks will now bid to capture their fourth county junior title in a fortnight’s time, adding to the successes they enjoyed in 1976, 2007 and 2020. They will have been delighted with the character shown in this encounter, particularly after finding themselves four points adrift with just ten minutes remaining.
John Lockes looked well placed to book their place in the decider when they led by 1-17 to 0-16. However, Conahy refused to accept defeat and produced a superb late surge that ultimately carried them over the line.
Points from promising minor player Patrick Kennedy and the excellent Edmund Delaney provided the initial spark for the comeback. Delaney, who was a constant threat throughout, followed up with another fine contribution as Conahy began to turn the pressure back on their opponents. The decisive moment arrived shortly afterwards when Thomas Rice found the net with a crucial goal. The move was created through a combination with Kilkenny senior inter-county player Tom Phelan, whose influence grew as the game entered its closing stages.
Rice’s finish swung the momentum firmly in Conahy’s favour, putting them ahead for the first time in a while. With confidence restored, Phelan added a point before substitute Karl Downey also found the target to leave the Shamrocks three clear at 1-20 to 1-17.
John Lockes continued to fight, and a Tommy Roche free reduced the deficit, ensuring there was still plenty of tension as the game entered added time. However, James Bergin settled Conahy nerves with a valuable point in the third minute of additional time, restoring the three-point cushion and confirming the Northern side’s passage to the final.
As has been the case in many of the 2026 championship encounters, there was little to separate the sides for long periods. Both teams had opportunities to take control, but Conahy’s greater experience in the closing stages proved crucial.
Playing with the assistance of the breeze in the opening half, Conahy held a slender 0-10 to 0-8 advantage at the interval. While it was a useful lead, they knew there was plenty of work to do, particularly with John Lockes capable of building momentum after the restart.
The Shamrocks could have enjoyed an even healthier position had a goal opportunity been converted. Eoin Cahill was denied by an excellent save from John Lockes goalkeeper Brian Doheny, who reacted superbly to keep his side in the contest.
John Lockes made an immediate impact after the break, with Thomas Roche landing three points from frees to move the Callan side one point ahead. It was an impressive response, but Conahy answered in equally determined fashion. Edmund Delaney struck twice from play, while Thomas Rice added another point as the Shamrocks regained their interval advantage. The exchanges continued at a lively pace, with Roche converting another free before Ryan Bergin levelled matters at 0-13 apiece.
A free from midfield in the 40th minute edged Conahy back in front, but the lead lasted only briefly. A minute later, Ollie O’Donovan burst through the Conahy defence to score a vital goal for John Lockes, putting the South Kilkenny side ahead by 1-13 to 0-14.
Delaney responded quickly with a lovely point from play, underlining his importance to the Conahy attack. O’Donovan and Phelan then exchanged points as neither side could establish a decisive advantage.
The crucial spell appeared to arrive when John Lockes registered three unanswered points. Two more from the reliable Roche, followed by a score from Zak O’Halloran, pushed the Callan men four clear and left Conahy facing a serious challenge with only ten minutes remaining. At that stage, John Lockes seemed to have done enough to secure their place in the final. However, the Shamrocks had other ideas, and their response demonstrated the value of experience in knockout championship hurling.
Delaney, Rice and Phelan led the charge during the closing stages, combining individual skill with intelligent attacking play to turn the contest around. Their contributions, allied to the impact of the substitutes, proved decisive as Conahy finished strongly.
For John Lockes, this was a bitter disappointment after a determined performance in which they matched their opponents for long periods and looked capable of reaching the final. Their display nevertheless suggested that they have the ability to make further progress in this grade.
For Conahy Shamrocks, however, the immediate focus will be on the county final. Their late rally at UPMC Nowlan Park demonstrated their resilience, and they will now have the opportunity to add another chapter to the club’s proud junior hurling history.
SCORERS
CONAHY SHAMROCKS: Edmond Delaney (0-10, 0-6 frees), Thomas Rice (1-2), Tom Phelan (0-3), James Bergin (0-2), Eoin Cahill, Mark Gunner, Patrick Kennedy, Karl Downey (0-1 each).
JOHN LOCKES: Tomas Roche (0-10, 0-9 frees), Ollie O’Donovan (1-2), Zak O’Halloran (0-3), Ryan Bergin (0-2), Ryan Donovan Cooke (0-1).
TEAMS
CONAHY SHAMROCKS
Padraic Delaney, Padraic Gunnar, Philip Cass, Darragh Horgan, Ciaran Rice, Darragh Hennessy, Liam Cass, Jack Rhatigan, Edmond Delanev, Tom Phelan, Patrick Kennedy, Thomas Rice, Eoin Cahill, James Bergin, Mark Gunnar. Substitute: -Karl Doheny for Mark Gunnar, Rob Ring for Liam Cass.
JOHN LOCKES
Brian Doheny, Ciaran Phelan, Jack McDowell, Tommy Hoyne, Michael Lynch, Adam O’Sullivan, Denis O’Sullivan, Paddy O’Brien, Ryan Donovan Cooke, Eoghan Lynch, Owen McGrath, Ryan Bergin, Ollie O’Donovan, Tomás Roche, Zak O’Halloroan. Substitute: – Shane Crowley for Tommy Hoyne, Robbie Jackman for Eoghan Lynch.
Referee: Michael O’Sullivan (Shamrocks Ballyhale).
