Second stalemate for Brackens and Loughmore

JK Brackens 1-16

Loughmore-Castleiney 1-16

Report: Michael Dundon at FBD Semple Stadium

Yet another example of Loughmore-Castleiney’s never say die spirit saw the county champions wrench a draw from the jaws of defeat as Liam McGrath’s pointed free deep in injury time decreeing a share of the spoils with neighbours JK Brackens in this County Senior Hurling Championship group 4 clash on Sunday.

When Andrew Ormond shot Brackens ahead with a point in the 59th minute, it looked as though the champions were facing defeat but Liam McGrath, Loughmore’s top marksmen, brought his side level as the game moved into added time.

Back came the Templemore lads and after 62 minutes Lyndon Fairbrother, their scorer-in-chief, landed a great free for the lead again, and what would have been a huge win over their neighbours, but Loughmore do not capitulate, and Liam McGrath held his nerve in the 64th minute to point the free and maintain their unbeaten status.

A draw was a fitting outcome to a contest that was scrappy with many stoppages in the first half, but which improved considerably afterwards.

Loughmore looked as though they were on the road to a big win when Brian McGrath, playing in attack, netted for them in the ninth minute to go 1-4 to 0-1 clear.

JK Brackens had shot five wides at that stage and were struggling to settle into their game. They were 0-4 to 1-8 behind after 21 minutes but then hit four points without reply through Lyndon Fairbrother (2), Conor Cadell and a Shane Doyle line-ball to haul themselves into contention.

At the break, Loughmore led 1-9 to 0-8 and were still fancied to win but JK Brackens were beginning to ask questions.

The tempo increased considerably at the start of the second half when Lyndon Fairbrother netted for Brackens, and though Noel McGrath countered for Loughmore, further points from Andrew Ormond (2) and Fairbrother had JK Brackens leading for the first time after 47 minutes.

Was there going to be an upset? Loughmore are the masters when it comes to dealing with such situations and sure enough, they responded, hitting the front again but JK Brackens sensed they could topple their rivals and, after Shane Doyle levelled in the 58th minute, Andrew Ormond poked them in front a minute later to set up the exciting finish that ended with Liam McGrath’s injury time equaliser.

JK Brackens may be somewhat disappointed at being caught late, but they will take much from this performance following on their first ever Mid senior title a few weeks back.

They are a work in progress under manager Eamon Corcoran and have a bit to go to challenge for county honours, but this endorsement of their divisional title shows they are going in the right direction. They face another searching test with their game against Kiladangan but who would write them off in their present mode.

While Lyndon Fairbrother who shot nine points, eight frees, continues to be their key attacker, Andrew Ormond and Shane Doyle also had big games. Conor Cadell’s work around the field is invaluable while Cathal Scully’s clever distribution from midfield was also noteworthy, as was Paddy Cadell’s marshalling of the defence.

Loughmore/Castleiney’s ability to cope with absent regulars on the injured list or unavailable is impressive with younger players like Ciaran McCormack, Daragh McCahey, and Conor McGrath stepping manfully into the breach.

However, it is the experienced hard corps who continue to carry the team. Noel McGrath’s play everywhere approach gives them an outlet back and front, while Liam McGrath’s high percentage of chances executed is a hugely valuable asset. John Ryan, Willie Eviston, and Joey Hennessy are consistently dependable.

Loughmore need to win their final group game against Eire Og Annacarty to have a chance of making the knock-out stages. With the return of the absentees, they will be well placed to defend this title and it is a foolish man who would bet against them doing so.

Player of the Match: Lyndon Fairbrother (JK Brackens)

JK Brackens: Jack Kennedy (6); Luke Ormond (6), Tom Murphy (6), Martin Delaney (6); Jordan Moloney (6), Paddy Cadell (7), Neil Quinlan (6); Dean McEnroe (6), Cathal Scully (7); Conor Cadell (0-1, 7), Andrew Ormond (0-4, 8), Shane Doyle (0-3, 7); Shane Bourke (6), Lyndon Fairbrother (1-8, 0-7f) 9), David O’Shea (6).

Subs: Eanna McBride (6) for McEnroe (38); Lorcan Roche (6) for Bourke (57).

Loughmore-Castleiney: Michael McGrath (6); Daragh McCahey (6), Joey Hennessy (6), Lorcan Egan (6); John Ryan (7), John Meagher (6), Willie Eviston (6); Tommy Maher (6), Tomas McGrath (6); Liam McGrath (0-9, 8f) 8), Brian McGrath (1-1, 6), Noel McGrath (0-2, 7); Cian Hennessy (6), Ciaran McCormack (0-2, 7), Conor McGrath (0-2, 7).

Subs: Aidan McGrath (6) for Hennessy (HT); Ciaran McGrath (6) for McCahey (HT); Paul McCahey (NR) for McCormack (59).

Referee: John Dooley (Thurles Gaels).