Last gasp McGrath point steers Loughmore to victory
Loughmore-Castleiney 4-14
Kilruane MacDonaghs 3-16
By James Hayden in Moneygall
A last gasp injury time point from the stick of John McGrath ensured Loughmore-Castleiney captured the Division 2 County League hurling title following an absorbing clash with Kilruane MacDonagh’s in Moneygall last Wednesday.
Loughmore emerged deserving winners of this hard-fought clash but Kilruane pushed them all the way and appeared to have secured extra-time when Seamus Hennessy’s 63rd minute free sailed between the uprights. However, the McGrath brothers, Noel and John linked up well from Evan Sweeney’s resulting puckout to conjure up a last gasp winner with virtually the last puck of the game.
Having trailed by six points mid-way through the second half, 4-11 to 2-11, Kilruane fought back bravely to restore parity with three minutes of normal time remaining with the inspired switch of Seamus Hennessy to full-back from wing-forward providing the platform for Kilruane’s sterling comeback. However, despite Kilruane’s best efforts the class and guile of the McGrath brothers proved the difference in the dying moments of this hugely entertaining tie.
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