North Tipperary Intermediate Hurling Championship Round-Up

By Liam Hogan

Moneygall 2-20

Shannon Rovers 1-19

Possessing greater firepower Moneygall won on the double as this North Tipperary Intermediate Hurling League/Championship game doubled up as County League Group 4 Final, played in Borrisokane last Friday.

The winners, who scored 2-12 from play to the Rovers 1-7, produced a seven-point unanswered run between the 47th and 53rd minute as they outscored Rovers 0-9 to 0-2 in the last twelve minutes to seal a deserved victory. Shannon Rovers, aided by the strong breeze were the better side in the first half and fully deserved their 0-8 to 0-4 lead at the first water-break with Conal Moran, George Hannigan, Andy Byrne, and Tom Hogan with 0-5 (4 frees) on target.

After Michael Tierney increased their lead Moneygall hit back with a Joe Fogarty goal from a penalty in the 22nd minute after the impressive Sean Kenneally was fouled. Scores were level after a fantastic Adam Hogan point from the wing. Michael Tierney edged Rovers in front and approaching half time two Tom Hogan frees gave them a deserved 0-13 to 1-7 interval lead. Now helped by the breeze, Moneygall upped a gear with Ger Kirwan securing their second goal in the 32nd minute. Eight minutes later Joe Fogarty had them level before Cathal Kennedy edged them in front.

However, the Rovers fought back with Alan Hogan sidestepping the Moneygall defence to score a brilliant goal. Eoin Whyte replied with a point before Tom Hogan pointed a free for Rovers before Willie Greene’s first touch made it Rovers 1-17 Moneygall 2-12 at the final water-break.

When play resumed it was Moneygall who took charge as Eoin Whyte, Phil Fanning (free), Joe Fogarty (free), Ger Kirwan and Fogarty (2) moved them four clear with seven minutes remaining. Another Tom Hogan free kept Rovers in touch. Eoin Whyte forced a 65 after Vincent Mulvihill made a great save with Joe Fogarty converting the resulting 65 before he added a free closely followed by an Eoin Whyte point to complete the Moneygall total.

Rovers tried to curb the lead, but Michael Ryan was equal to Alan Hogan’s close range free.

Moneygall: Michael Ryan; Cathal Greene, Jack Kirwan, Liam Carroll; Brendan Tuohy, Phil Fanning (0-1f), Roddy Teehan; Conor Ryan, Cathal Kennedy (0-2); Adam Hogan (0-1), Eoin Whyte (0-3), Joe Fogarty (1-7, 1-0 pen, 0-5f, 0-1’65); Niall Maher (0-1), Ger Kirwan (1-1), Sean Kenneally (0-3). Subs: Willie Greene (0-1) for Maher (42); Aodhan Ryan for C Greene (Blood 60+1-60+2); Mark Fanning for Whyte (60+3); Dylan Maher for Kirwan (60+4).

Shannon Rovers: Vincent Mulvihill; Emmett Moran, Padraic O’Meara, Jack McLoughney; Michael Slattery, Matthew Tierney, Jack Sullivan; Conal Moran, Alan Hannigan; Alan Hogan, Michael Tierney, Andy Byrne; Marcus Esmonde, George Hannigan, Tom Hogan. Subs: Kieran O’Sullivan for Slattery (28 inj); Conor Ryan for McLoughney (34); Austin Tierney for Esmonde (34); Sean Moran for Michael Tierney (52).

Referee: John Cleary (Knockshegowna)

Ballinahinch 0-18

Borrisokane 1-14

Ballinahinch won their first game of the campaign when they came from behind to defeat Borrisokane in a closely fought encounter played at Shallee on Sunday.

The winners needed to get back to winning ways following their defeat to Shannon Rovers in the opening round. Ballinahinch saw the return of Shane McGrath to take his place at centre back after missing the action against Rovers, but his side trailed at the first water-break with Borrisokane taking the lead thanks to a Colm Larkin goal. On reaching half time Ballinahinch still trailed with Borrisokane leading 1-9 to 0-8.

Ballinahinch managed to close the gap, but the lead changed hands on occasion before Brendan Ryan’s accuracy put the home side in a two-point lead approaching the hour which was enough at the final whistle.

Ballinahinch play table toppers Moneygall in their final game while Borrisokane, without a win so far play host to Shannon Rover this weekend. The outcomes will determine the pairings for the semi-finals.

Ballinahinch: Donnacha McGrath; Frank Troy, Thomas Grace, Cathal Ryan; Kevin Fitzpatrick, Shane McGrath, Darragh McGrath (0-1); Karl Kelly, Kevin Mulcahy (0-1); Joey Kelly, Ger Grace (0-1), Brendan Ryan (0-5, 3f); Adam Ryan (0-5), John Foley (0-1), David Gleeson (0-3). Subs used: Alan Kelly (0-1), Cathal Ryan (Bawn), Liam King.

Borrisokane: Luke Gleeson; Eddie O’Dwyer, Shane Nevin, Jimmy Haugh; Roan Murphy, Brian Davis, Cathal Dooley; Liam Cleary (0-2), Kevin Cleary; Dylan Power, Philip Austin (0-1), Garry Ryan (0-3); Oisin Larkin (0-5f), Colm Larkin (1-3), Conor Ryan. Subs used: Mike Kelly, Rob Davis, Peter Collins.

Referee: Philip Shanahan (Nenagh Eire Og)