Roanmore booked their place in the Waterford Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals after overcoming Abbeyside on a scoreline of 2-16 to 17 points at Azzurri Walsh Park.

The Sky Blues were the stronger side for much of the contest and took a 1-8 to 0-8 lead into half-time following a cagey opening period.

Gavin O’Brien was excellent from placed balls, while Brian Nolan and Rory Furlong also contributed to the Roanmore tally. The game’s opening goal arrived in the first half after a high ball slipped through the hands of Abbeyside goalkeeper Connor Prunty. Rory Furlong gathered possession, drove towards goal and found Lee Hearne, who finished clinically to the net.

Abbeyside were guilty of leaving scores behind them, with several chances going astray and at least eight wides recorded in the opening half. Sean O’Callaghan was among their leading scorers, including a superb sideline cut from distance.

Roanmore continued to control the game after the interval, with Brian Nolan opening the second-half scoring before further points from Dean Walsh, Sean Roche and Alex Furlong extended their advantage.

Abbeyside did threaten a comeback, with Sean O’Callaghan, Rian Walsh, Charlie Treen and Eoin Kiely all contributing scores. Eoin Kiely finished with nine points, including eight frees.

There was also controversy when an Abbeyside goal was ruled out for a square ball, denying them the opportunity to close the gap.

Roanmore ultimately put the result beyond doubt when Ethan Flynn broke through the Abbeyside cover midway through the second half. He showed composure to get past Brian Looby before firing the ball beyond goalkeeper Lar Power.

Gavin O’Brien continued to punish Abbeyside from frees late on, adding further scores as Roanmore saw out the contest.

The Sky Blues deserved their victory on the balance of play and now advance to the Waterford Senior Hurling Championship semi-final, while Abbeyside’s championship campaign comes to an end.

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