Eoin Kelly was in superb form as Passage got their senior hurling campaign off to a good start with a convincing win over a hapless Ballyduff Lower outfit at Walsh Park last Sunday.
From the 7th minute, when Aaron Connors scored a goal, Passage led all the way and were full value for their comprehensive victory. This is a completely different Ballyduff Lower outfit than the one which beat Passage twelve months ago and it could well be a tough season for the Kilmeaden-based side.
Connors finished a Nicky Quinlan centre to the back of the Ballyduff net for the game’s first score. With Kelly in irrepressible form from placed balls, Passage were five points in front before Ballyduff got off the mark when Niall Clifford pointed.
Passage dominated possession in the early stages and although they were a little wasteful on occasions they stretched their lead even further with excellent points from Aaron, Thomas and Owen Connors.
The game was probably over as a contest as early as the 18th minute when Eoin Kelly gained possession 30 yards from goal and ran all the way in before firing an unstoppable shot past Brian O’Leary to leave Passage nine points in front.
The dangerous Aaron Connors added to his tally after good work by the very impressive Mark Wyse before Ballyduff were thrown something of a lifeline. Jack Kennedy won a high ball in the half-forward line and ran at the Passage defence. He offloaded to the unmarked, Damien Clifford who found the far corner of the Passage net. A free by Jack Kennedy narrowed the deficit to six points but Passage responded in kind with an Eoin Kelly free.
