Mayo hurlers off to a flying start

Hurlers get off to a flyer


Division 3b
Mayo 0-17
Roscommon 1-5

Michael Commins
Tooreen

MORE than 50 years after the founding of Tooreen Hurling Club, the small east Mayo village finally got to host its first ever inter-county senior game on Sunday when Mayo met neighbours Roscommon in the opening round of the NHL. It was a proud day for the home of hurling in the county, and a nice crowd rambled along on a day filled with the promise of early spring.
It was almost impossible for those of us who knew Adrian Freeman not to remember him in a special way on this occasion. He would have been so pleased to have been part of this special day in Tooreen, playing just a few hundred yards across the fields from the family home. It was more than fitting that his brother Cathal was introduced as Mayo’s first sub midway through the first half.
New Mayo manager Murt Connolly, a member of the famous Connolly hurling clan from Castlegar, was very relaxed on the sideline. He exuded contentment and was clearly enjoying his new challenge.
The early and rather harsh dismissal of Roscommon player Gary Fallon for a second yellow card dented the Shannonsiders’ challenge at a time when the exchanges were even enough. By half-time Mayo had moved into a three-point lead, 0-7 to 0-4. It could have been more when the hosts goaled a few minutes before the interval after a fine cross from Cathal Freeman was struck to the net by Declan Gallagher. But after consultation with the umpires the flags were crossed and the goal did not count.
Four points from Keith Higgins, three from frees, together with points from play by Eoghan Madigan and Niall Murphy and one from a free by Kenny Feeney comprised the Mayo tally. Gary Fallon and Gerry Fallon scored two apiece for Roscommon.
Showing more potency in their attack than the visitors, Mayo nailed this game in the opening minutes of the second half. Three terrific strikes from Niall Murphy, Eoghan Madigan and Pa Connell, scores that one have done justice to any hurling game, and two converted frees by Keith Higgins saw Mayo move into the comfort zone.
On one of the rare occasions that Roscommon created an opening, Mayo goalie Donal O’Brien was equal to the challenge with a wonderful save, denying Declan Nolan a green flag. However, it is doubtful if a goal at that stage would have lifted Roscommon, as Mayo held the upper hand around the field. Further scores from Keith Higgins, Eoghan Madigan and Declan Gallagher saw them move into a 0-16 to 0-5 lead.
Micheal Kelly from Four Roads blasted a penalty to the Mayo net as the game edged into time but it was just a consolation score at that stage. Limerick referee Jason O’Mahony dismissed three other players late in the game, two from Roscommon and one from Mayo. Many felt all the dismissals were harsh on a day when the game was played in a very sporting manner.
Aidan Connolly and Pa Connell were exemplary in the Mayo defence with both turning in very strong displays. Greg Henry and Stephen Connell also hurled well in the corners. Keith Higgins and Brian Higgins did the business around midfield while Eoghan Madigan was on fire in the attack, shooting three fine points, with Niall Murphy and Declan Gallagher also showing up well.
Thanks to all associated with the Tooreen Club for the excellent manner in which they hosted Sunday’s game, a real credit to this marvellous rural community.

Mayo
D O’Brien; S Connell, A Connolly, G Henry; S Morley, D McConn, P Connell (0-1); B Higgins, K Higgins (0-9, 8f); N Murphy (0-2), E Madigan (0-3), K Feeney (0-1, 1f); S Hoban, D Gallagher (0-1), P O‘Grady.
Subs used: C Freeman for P O’Grady; D McTigue for K Feeney; V Flannery for S Hoban; C Ryan for S Morley; D McDonnell for D Gallagher.

Roscommon
P Dolan; S Curley, I Delaney, B Donnelly; D Loughnane, M Kelly (1-1), P Kelly; K Conneely, P Keeleghan; G Fallon (0-2, 2f), D Nolan, J Moran; J Lawlor, Gerry Fallon (0-2, 1f), J Coyne.
Subs used: S Melia for J Lawlor, B Kelly for G Fallon.

Referee: J O’Mahony (Limerick)