Ballyhaunis hurlers reach Connacht final

Ballyhaunis hurlers reach Connacht final


Semi-Final
Ballyhaunis    3-13
Four Roads    2-13

Michael Commins
Athleague

BALLYHAUNIS are through to the Connacht Intermediate hurling final for the second year in a row. They weathered a strong closing quarter rally by Four Roads in Athleague on Sunday before securing another notable triumph. The outcome was in the balance right to the final whistle as Four Roads pressed for the equaliser that would have taken the game to extra time.
It was a tense and exciting finish to an encounter that spluttered along in the early stages before eventually igniting and providing the sizeable gathering with much to enthuse about. Once again, the influence of Keith Higgins was all over this game, especially in the second half when he secured the crucial scores at vital times to stem the Four Roads rally.
The Roscommon lads were leading by three points to two approaching the 20th minute of the first half. Then Niall Murphy did all the hard work around the middle of the field before providing the excellent delivery for Stephen Hoban to whip the ball to the Four Roads net. This was an impact score as it defined the mood and optimism of Ballyhaunis for the rest of the game.
Two snap points from Niall Murphy and Pierse Higgins reflected that fresh confidence and, a short time later, Donal O’Brien opted to blast for goal from a close-in free. The Tipperary man made no mistake as the ball nestled in the Four Roads net. This helped Ballyhaunis to a 2-4 to 0-6 interval lead. The six points for Four Roads in the opening period were evenly shared by Johnny Coyne and Jamie Lawlor. During the opening period, the work-rate of players like Damien Keadin, Derek McConn, Niall Murphy and Keith Higgins was especially impressive for Ballyhaunis.
Fate smiled sweetly in favour of the Mayo lads just seconds after the restart. A long-range effort from Keith Higgins nested in the Four Roads net as the blinding afternoon sun dipping in the western sky gravely impeded the sight of the goalie and a defender.
Ballyhaunis were now in prime position to move on and led by 3-7 to 0-7 eight minutes into the half. A lovely point from Tadgh Buckley after some fine work by Paul Lynch and Keith Higgins epitomised the confidence of this Ballyhaunis combination.
But an excellent goal strike by MicheΡl Kelly, when he breached the Ballyhaunis defence with some style, threw a lifeline to the Four Roads team. Further points from Lawlor and Kelly cut the gap to four.
Keith Higgins kept Ballyhaunis ticking over with a series of pointed frees, but Jamie Lawlor and Shane Curley had points at the other end to keep the hopes of the Roscommon champions alive.
When Shane Curley’s ‘65 found its way to the Ballyhaunis net with four minutes of normal time left, the game was back in the melting pot again. A steadying score was needed for the Mayo men and it was Tadhg Buckley who landed a vital point to push Ballyhaunis four clear. While Jamie Lawlor converted a free to leave just a goal between them again, the Ballyhaunis defence held firm in an exciting finale to this showdown.
Keith Higgins was the recipient of the player of the match while there were some excellent displays for the winners from Damien Keadin, Derek McConn, Peter Healy, Niall Murphy and Tadgh Buckley. Michael Walsh had another fine game between the posts while Pierse Higgins, Donal O’Brien, Stephen Hoban, and Paul Lynch and Adrian Brennan, the latter two especially in the second half, contributed nicely to this fine victory.
This was an exceptionally sporting encounter and great credit is due to both teams for the manner in it was played. Ballyhaunis now await the winners of the Galway Intermediate final between Killimor and PΡdraig Pearses.

Ballyhaunis
M Walsh; A Brennan, P Healy, D Keadin; P McConn, D McConn, H McKermitt: P Higgins (0-1), P Lynch; K Higgins (1-7), L McDermott, T Buckley (0-2); N Murphy (0-1), D O’Brien (1-0), S Hoban (1-2).
Subs used: B Hunt for L McDermott; C McCrudden for D O’Brien (inj).

Four Roads
D Dowd; J McDonnell, M McLoughlin, N Cunniffe; S Curley (1-1), D Lohan, B Donnelly; T Lennon, J Moran; J Lalor (0-8, 7f), M Kelly (1-1), E Mulrey; B Kelly, R Mulrey, J Coyne (0-3, 1f).
Subs used: E Rogerson for B Kelly, P Kelly for N Cunniffe.

Referee: C Browne (Galway)