Kildalkey proved too good for neighbours Trim in the second Ted Murtagh SHC semi-final at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday afternoon.

Kildalkey  1-21
Trim  1-13

Kildalkey's achievement was all the more impressive given that they played for over 35 minutes with 14-men. Daire Lahart's men were 0-9 to 1-3 to the good when team captain and centre-half back Sean Corrigan were red-carded following an off-the-ball incident after 27 minutes.

From there to the end, Kildalkey outscored Trim by 1-12 to 0-10. They closed out the hour by outscoring the town side by 1-5 to 0-2 from the 51st minute.

Kildalkey regrouped well after their captain's departure, despite conceeding two points within minutes of the sending-off. It makes their achievement of reaching the final for the first time since their 2011 win over Navan O'Mahonys, which was their third Jubliee Cup success on the spin.

The outcome was Kildalkey's sixth straight win of the campaign. They topped Group B.

Trim cut the gap to the minimum before Patrick Conneely steadied Kildalkey with a great point to leave it 0-10 to 1-5 at the break. Numerical deficiency didn't unduly hinder the men in royal blue, though at the moment their captain remains suspended for the final.

Kildalkey moved six points clear, 0-15 to 1-6, within 13 minutes of the restart. One of Martin Healy's trio of points being the stand-out score of this phase.

Trim rallied briefly and got to within two points of Kildalkey by 50th mintue, 0-16 to 1-11. Moments later a Derek Doran goal at the old swimming pool end cushioned Kildalkey through the remainder of the hour to a final meeting with champions Kiltale.

While registering 22 scores, Kildakey had just four wides. Trim had eight. Derek Doran's goal spurred Daire Lahart's men to finish eight points ahead with nine different players contributing to their tally.

Playing towards the town goal, it Kildalkey were quick off the mark with Derek Doran registering. Alan Douglas levelled matters from an acute angle. When played switched to the town end Brian Carley made a brilliant save from Derek Doran.

Kildalkey bossed the early stages and were 0-4 to 0-1 ahead after 11 mintues. Trim - who had eight members of their IFC squad on duty - were boosted 12 minutes in when Douglas' speculative effort from the stand side wound up in the Kildalkey net.

The team in royal blue responded well regaining the lead in the 14th minute when Padraig Keogh's effort was touched over his own bar by Trim 'keeper Brian Carley.

Trim never regained parity on the scoreboard as Kildalkey advanced the final. The intermittent sun was the most significant weather feature.

Kildalkey are just 60 minutes from their first Jubilee Cup since 2011. When they face Kiltale on October 11, they will be bidding for a 5th SHC title and fourth in the last decade.

Trim, who beat Kiltale in their final group game, were unable to match a vibrant Kildalkey side whose tussle with Kiltale promises much.

Kildalkey - David Harmon; David Conneely, Enda Fitzgerald, Eoin Potterton; Maurice Keogh (0-1), Sean Corrigan (C), Mairtin Doran; Sean Heavey (0-2), Padraig Keogh (0-1); Padraig Geoghegan, Patrick Conneely (0-6, 1f)), Martin Healy (0-3); Mark Healy (0-4, 3fs, 1f), Gary Kelly, Derek Doran (1-2). Subs - Patrick Potterton for E Potterton (19), Francis Doran (0-1) for P Keogh (48), Conor Kearney (0-1) for Mark Healy (52).

Trim - Brian Carley; Ciaran O'Rourke, Eolann Harrington, Colm McGrath; Ryan Andrews, Ciaran Joyce, Gary Conroy; James Toher (0-5, 4fs), Cathal Bermingham; Damien McGee, Shane Ashe, Luke Moran; Neil Heffernan (0-1), Alan Douglas (1-4), James Andrews (0-1). Subs - Dave Foley for Conroy (27), Dimmy Higgins (0-1) for Moran (41), Mikey Cullen (0-1) for Bermingham (46), Seanie McGee for Bermingham (46).

Referee - Sean Gahan (Ratoath)

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