Killeshin rally from seven down to sink Portlaoise

Killeshin 0-13 

Portlaoise 1-8 

KILLESHIN produced an impressive comeback to book their place in the Laois Shopping Centre SFC semi-finals, overcoming Portlaoise by two points in Saturday evening’s quarter-final.

The result sees Ryan Van Haeften’s side reach the last four for the first time since 2019, although it looked highly unlikely during the opening stages as Portlaoise tore into the game.

The Town needed just 15 seconds to get on the scoreboard when Josh Hogan opened the scoring, and they soon had the Killeshin defence under serious pressure. Darren Brennan then found the net after Jack Brennan was dispossessed close to goal. DJ White provided the final pass, leaving Brennan with a straightforward finish.

Portlaoise continued to dominate and had built a 1-4 to no-score lead within six minutes. Hogan added another point while Kieran Lillis registered a two-pointer during a blistering opening spell.

However, the momentum changed dramatically as Killeshin settled into the contest. Portlaoise would go on to score just four more points for the remainder of the game, with Killeshin gradually taking control of possession.

Four unanswered scores brought Killeshin right back into contention. Conor Heffernan was particularly influential, kicking twice in quick succession, while Evan Lowry added a point from outside the arc.

DJ White then ended Portlaoise’s 14-minute wait for a score with a converted free, but Killeshin continued to chip away at the deficit. Cathal Byrne and Michael Doran both found the target to leave only two points between the sides. White had the final say before half-time, leaving Brennan’s early goal as the difference at the interval, with Portlaoise ahead 1-6 to 0-6.

Portlaoise had opportunities to go further ahead after the restart but failed to take them. Kevin Swayne’s attempt struck the crossbar, while another promising attack ended with Damon Larkin’s dropped effort falling into the path of Ben O’Connor. His subsequent snapshot was denied by Killeshin goalkeeper Killian Roche.

Those misses proved significant as Killeshin took control of the second half. They registered five consecutive scores and kept Portlaoise without a score for 25 minutes. Eoin Lowry, Jack Milton and Evan English all contributed, while Roche added his first two-point free.

Portlaoise finally responded through Hogan and Ben Dempsey, bringing the sides level and setting up a tense finish.

With the game finely balanced, Killeshin were handed a crucial opportunity when Portlaoise were penalised for tackling a Killeshin player after he had taken a solo and go.

Roche stepped up and showed tremendous composure, sending the resulting two-point free over the bar to put Killeshin in front and spark jubilant scenes among their supporters.

Portlaoise pushed forward in search of a late response and a two-pointer that would force extra-time, but they couldn’t find the target.

Killeshin held their nerve through the closing moments before the final whistle confirmed a memorable victory. From trailing by seven points inside the opening six minutes, they had completely turned the contest around to earn their place in the semi-finals.

SCORERS:

Killeshin: Killian Roche 0-4 (2 tpf), Conor Hefferan and Evan Lowry (tp) 0-2 each, Cathal Byrne, Evan English, Jack Milton, Eoin Lowry and Michael Doran 0-1 each.

Portlaoise: Darren Brennan 1-0, Josh Hogan 0-3, DJ White (0-1f) and Kieran Lillis (tp) 0-2 each, Ben Dempsey 0-1.

KILLESHIN: Killian Roche; Jack Brennan, Dave McDermott, Brendan McDonald; Michael Gaffney, Leeson Hughes, James Davis; Cathal Byrne, Conor Heffernan; Eoin Cawley, Evan English, Jack Milton; Evan Lowry, Eoin Lowry, Michael Doran.

Subs: Adam Farrell for Hughes (46m), James Doogue for Byrne (51m).

PORTLAOISE: Conor Brown; Gary Whelan, David Seale, Ben Dempsey; Ben O’Connor, Ben Reddin, Emmet Maloney; Kieran Lillis, Kevin Swayne; Josh Hogan, Ciaran McEvoy, Darren Brennan; DJ White, Damon Larkin, Ricky Maher.

Subs: Benny Carroll for Maher (39m), Kieran O’Donnell for White (45m), Gary Saunders for Larkin (54m).

Referee: Clifford Ward (Portarlington)