Donaghmore/Ashbourne’s adult hurlers secured their spot in the Semi-Finals of the JM Food Services Intermediate Hurling Championship for the first time since 2007 following an extra-time victory over Rathmolyon in Páirc Tailteann.

A back-and-forth opening quarter saw the sides split the first eight scores before Donaghmore hit a purple patch halfway through, firing over 1-3 in the space of five minutes. Having already hit two early scores, Darragh O’Sullivan put another two over, one from a free before Andy Tormey got in on the action with an over-the-shoulder effort while going away from goal from just before the 45.

After good defensive work from Ben Mather and Fionnán Hogan, the next ball came to David Carr. His long ball in was caught by O’Sullivan, who turned, took a step, and blasted the ball into the net. Colm Ó Méalóid intercepted the resulting puckout and fired over the bar.

Rathmolyon would get the next two scores but were rocked just before half time with the concession of a second goal as Michael O’Sullivan punished a loose ball from their keeper after he was put under pressure.

HT: CLG Domhnach Mór Cill Dhéagláin 2-7 v 0-7 Rath Moliadhain

Both Darragh O’Sullivan and Simon Ennis had been marked as danger men leading into the game and the pair traded scores early in the second half. Three more from O’Sullivan were sandwiched around a score for Trevor Healy for the Village, but when Michael O’Sullivan added a brace, it looked like Donaghmore were comfortable, up by seven with ten to play.

However, Rathmolyon then hit a purple patch of their own – Cathal Regan, Healy and John Farrell all raised white flags before they found a green flag themselves.

A free in the fourth minute of injury time from Regan sent the game to extra time.

Squad depth and fitness is key in the latter stages of the Championship, and Donaghmore have both in spades. That was proven early in extra-time when substitute Cian Field struck over off his left. Healy responded for Rathmolyon but Michael O’Sullivan, having taken over dead-ball duties from his brother, slotted over a free to regain the lead. He responded with another after a Rathmolyon 65 to lead by a point at the break before some déjà vu at the start of the second half of extra time – Field again hitting over off his left side.

Rathmolyon responded once more but it would be the last time they scored as points from the younger O’Sullivan and another sub in Shaun Byrne sealed victory for Donagmore

FT: CLG Domhnach Mór Cill Dhéagláin 2-20 v 1-21 Rath Moliadhain

CLG Domhnach Mór Cill Dhéagláin: Ben Mather; Dylan Morrissey, Fionnán Hogan, Daragh Walsh; Rhys Thomas, Sam Benville, David Carr; Oisín Daly, Luke Andrews; Colm Ó Méalóid (0-1), Andy Tormey (0-2), Darragh O’Sullivan (1-8, 3f), Killian Hogan, Evan O’Kane, Michael O’Sullivan (1-6, 3f).

Subs: Shaun Byrne (0-1) for O’Kane, Seán O’Sullivan for Walsh, O’Kane for Killian Hogam, Seán Doyle for Carr, Cian Field (0-2) for Andrews