This article is from page 82 of the 2011-08-30 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 82 JPG
Inagh/Kilnamona 1-14 – Crusheen 1-13 at Clarecastle
CRUSHEEN exited the 2011 Clare Cup after Inagh/Kilnamona sealed victory at the second time of asking. For most of this encounter, the lead was swapped and another draw appeared to be on the cards. Crusheen thought they had grasped victory when Jamie Fitzgibbon grabbed a terrific score that surely would be the winner.
This apparent certainty for the 2010 senior champions was dismantled when the Inagh/Kilnamona outfit were awarded a free 50 metres out. Niall Arthur dropped a looping shot in around the square with more hope than expectation but the faith was repaid. Eoin Vaughan found the first touch in the goalmouth scrum to get the sliotar onto the path of full-forward Dermot Gannon. Panic and mayhem arrived immediately as a boot or his stick saw Gannon steal victory from Crusheen’s grasp with an incredible finish to this clash.
Niall Arthur found the first score of the battle after two minutes from a 20 metre free. If the deserved penalty had been awarded, Arthur’s effort over the bar may have well waved a green flag but no outcry yet as there was a very long way to go. Damien Lafferty made it two in a row for the Combo with a fine attempt from close range. Crusheen eventually found their range after ten minutes when Paddy Meaney halved the initial lead with his favourite left side.
In truth, Inagh/Kilnamona were the better side for the opening quarter with further points from Arthur and All-Ireland Intermediate Champion Conor Tierney but their positive start was dampened when Crusheen found the first goal of the match. Gerry O’Grady was allowed through the heart of the Inagh/Kilnamona defence far too easily before unleashing an unstoppable shot off his stick low into the left corner of the net to nudge Crusheen into the lead for the first time.
The points continued to flow for both sides with David Forde and Gannon both locating their first of the afternoon to leave it level at the interval on a score of 1-5 to 0-8.
A highly anticipated second half arrived with a quick-fire Crusheen score followed by a more concerning Crusheen scare. Gannon had a fantastic opportunity to hit the net but Donal Tuohy conveyed his class with a brilliant save. Thankfully for Gannon a shot at redemption would eventually arrive.
The second half became a hard fought hurling war zone. Every score took a mammoth effort with both teams doing their utmost to stay out in front in the lead. Neither team could be shaken off though as the game sailed into the melting point that was the final quarter.
Gannon’s heroics cemented the win and ensured the chances of Clare Cup glory continue for Inagh/Kilnamona. Crusheen will be left gutted at the heartbreaking defeat but their summer is far from over yet either.
Inagh/ Kilnamona
Patrick Kelly (7), Milo Keane (7), Brian Glynn (7), Dermot Lynch (7), Ronan O’Looney (7), David Hearty (7), ColmPilkington (7), HaulieVaughan (6), Brian Foudy (6), Cathal Lafferty (7), EoinVaughan (7), Damien Lafferty (7) (0-1), Niall Arthur (8) (0-11, 6f), Dermot Gannon (7) (1-1), ConorTierney (7) (0-1)
Subs
Shane Griffin (6) for H.Vaughan, Ger Arthur (6) for Foudy
Crusheen
Donal Tuohy (7), Jason Greene (6), Cronan Dillon (7),Alan Brigdale (7), Cathal Dillon (7), Cian Dillon (7), Ciaran O’Doherty (7) (0-1.65), Shaun Dillon (6), Jamie Fitzgibbon (7) (01),Gearoid O’Donnell (6), Joe Meaney (7) (0-3f), David Forde (7) (0-3), Paddy Meaney (7) (0-4), Gerry O’Grady (7) (1-0), Connor O’Donnell (6)
Subs
Darragh O’Doherty (6) (0-1f) for J. Meaney
Man of the match
Niall Arthur (Inagh/ Kilnamona) Referee Ambrose Heagney (Corofin)