Knockbridge 2-7 Naomh Eoin 1-10 All-Ireland club hurling champions Birr must wait to see who they will start their title defence against following this exciting draw in Knockbridge yesterday.
A point from midfielder Anthony Curry two minutes into injury time earned Naomh Eoin a replay against a spirited home side.
Naomh Eoin's home advantage in the replay could be crucial as they looked the stronger side for much of the contest, although Knockbridge battled superbly without their first-choice midfield, as captain Conal Ó hUllahacháin broke a finger last week, while David Dunne limped off injured just before the break.
KNOCKBRIDGE: B McNally; B Dunne, D Plunkett, S Darcy; B Corbett, P Dunne (1-2, 3 frees), Kevin Kirk; D Dunne (0-1), R Byrne (0-1); S Byrne (0-3, 1 free), P Kieran (1-0), A Wallace; S Kerrigan, E Quigley, T Hilliard. Subs: C Kerrigan for D Dunne (27), P Mone for Wallace (41), G Corcoran for Quigley (49).
NAOMH EOIN: E Spruhan; A Keogh, P Keogh, John Donoghue; Kenneth Nolan, S Kavanagh (0-1), T Minchin; A Curry (0-1), Kevin Nolan (0-1, free); S Smithers (0-2), R Foley (0-1), J Watters; B Murphy, D Murphy (0-3, 3 frees), J Quirke (1-1). Subs: C Nolan for Murphy (33), S Spruhan for Watters (43), John Donoghue for Quirke (48), E Murphy for S Spruhan (58).
Referee: Jimmy McGrath (Westmeath).
