Ballinagar's Kevin Beirne attempts to stop Milltown's Luke Gunning, in the Leinster IFC quarter-final, at Glenisk O'Connor Park, Tullamore. Pic - Paul Molloy.

Gunning guides Milltown to Leinster semi-final

Damien Maher

Published: Sat 14 Nov 2026, 5:05 PM

Last updated: Sat 14 Nov 2026, 5:06 PM

Milltown 0-14, Ballinagar 0-11

Aided by outstanding wing-back Matthew Gunning, Westmeath Intermediate champions Milltown advanced to the semi-final of the Leinster Club IFC with a three-point victory over a limited Ballinagar outfit at Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore, on Saturday.

Milltown never really looked like losing against the defeated Offaly Senior ‘B’ finalists, but there will be concern about injuries to key men as they prepare to travel to take on Carlow champions Ballon in the last four. Conor Gibney and Jarlath Boyce played no part, while Jack Duncan came off with an ankle injury, and the sight of him limping down the tunnel at the final whistle will concern the Milltown faithful.

Milltown were far from convincing on the day, but in the end, they had the collective resolve to get the job done, having led by 0-6 to 0-2 at the end of a dour first half. The Westmeath winners had some decent openings but failed to find the net.

When tenacious centre-forward Conor Dillon put Milltown 0-8 to 0-2 clear early in the third quarter, they were fully expected to kick on, but instead, Ballinagar got back into the tie. Just two points separated the teams by the 43rd minute. Milltown then kicked five unanswered points.

Matthew Gunning shot over a classy score from a difficult angle at the end of the third quarter and Ben McGauran’s brace of frees, followed by another Gunning point, had the Milltown men six clear. Gunning added to his impressive tally in the 57th minute to leave it 0-13 to 0-6.

In truth, the game was over at this stage, but the fact that Milltown endured a nervy finish will give them plenty to ponder. Conor Dillon had them five clear two minutes into added time before a late two-point free from Morgan Tynan gave the Offaly representatives some late consolation.

Ballon enjoyed a 1-13 to 1-12 victory over a fancied Naomh Olaf (Dublin) on Saturday, and that narrow win - away from home - suggests they will be stern opposition in the semi-final.

Scorers – Milltown: Matthew Gunning 0-6 (1 tp), Conor Dillon 0-3, Ben McGauran 0-2 (2f), Jack Duncan, Henry Duncan and Luke Gunning 0-1 each.

Ballinagar: Morgan Tynan 0-7 (3x2pf; 1f), Robbie Gallagher 0-2 (2f), Brian Malone and Adam Mangan 0-1 each.

Milltown: Alan Geraghty; Sean Dillon, Bernard Kiernan, Diarmuid Maguire; Matthew Gunning, Shane O'Malley, Peter Ballesty; Patrick Somers, Dylan Murtagh; Jack Duncan, Conor Dillon, Henry Duncan; Ben McGauran, Conor Lynn, Luke Gunning. Subs: Thomas Lynn for Duncan (38), Frank McLoughlin for Luke Gunning (45), Aidan Maguire for Ballesty (59).

Ballinagar: Ryan Kinahan; Kevin Beirne, Diarmuid Finneran, Declan Crombie; Adam Joyce, Brian Malone, Oissine Troy; David McElduff, Adam Strong; Aaron Gorman, Morgan Tynan, Ryan Strong; Conor Bracken, Robbie Gallagher, Adam Mangan. Subs: Jack Sheil for McElduff (inj., 10), Jacob Beatty for Gorman (41), Jamie Ballesty for Mangan (46).

Referee: Barry Tiernan (Dublin).