Silvermines hold on to edge Annacarty to secure progression

GAA: FBD Insurance Tipperary Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Group 2 Round 3

Silvermines 2-19

Éire Óg Annacarty/D 2-17

Report: James Hayden at Bishop Quinlan Park, Borrisoleigh

A determined second half performance ensured Silvermines overcame Éire Óg Annacarty in an absorbing County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship encounter on Saturday.

Despite trailing by three points at the break and facing into the teeth of a gusting strong breeze, Silvermines mustered enough resolve to edge out an Annacarty side who were severely hampered by not one, but two, second-half dismissals.

The talismanic Brian Fox saw red in the 34th minute after picking up two yellows in quick succession before Paul Downey was red-carded following a 55th minute off-the-ball altercation with Silvermines captain, Conor McKelvey.

Éire Óg fought right to the bitter end with the second dismissal resulting in the ‘Mines losing their shape somewhat, almost allowing the West side to snatch the unlikeliest of victories.

A missed Darragh Mooney penalty coupled with three late frees in time added on from the 20-metre line yielded just one point when it could have been much more for an Éire Óg Annacarty side who will now face into a preliminary quarter-final as a result of their recent annexing of the West title.

Silvermines finish the group stage in second place and are now in what many would perceive as bonus territory, especially considering the loss of the influential Michael Corcoran with a long-term knee injury prior to the start of their campaign.

The opening half saw the ‘Mines start brightly with three points on the bounce as Éire Óg struggled to cope into the teeth of the gusting gale.

However, a tenth minute Daragh Kelly goal following a neat Brian Fox delivery served to restore parity before frees from Kelly and Aiden Griffin fired Éire Óg two clear.

Jason Forded narrowed the gap mid-way through the half with a 65’ after Andy Hayden had brought the best out of Darragh Mooney with a low drive.

Donal O’Dwyer and Dinny Crosse bisected the uprights to restore Éire Óg’s three-point lead before two sublime points from the effervescent Seán Nolan book-ended a fine Patrick Leamy point from range to bring the ‘Mines level.

Although centre-back Darragh McKelvey was forced off with the re-occurrence of a leg injury on 21 minutes, the ‘Mines were finding their rhythm with Andy Hayden popping up for a delicious 24th minute effort before Paudie Bradshaw and Conor McKelvey exchanged points in quick succession.

A second Leamy point from range brought the ‘Mines level once more but a lapse in defence allowed Brian Fox to embark on a mazy run from well inside his own half and hand off to Dinny Crosse on his shoulder who crashed the sliotar to the back of the net for a cracking goal to ensure Éire Óg Annacarty took a 2-7 to 0-10 lead to the break.

Éire Óg re-emerged determined to embellish their interval advantage but were rocked back on their heels by a cracking Andy Hayden goal straight from the re-start following an inch-perfect Jason Forde delivery.

The West side were then dealt a heavy blow with the dismissal of the influential Brian Fox.

Successive frees from Daragh Kelly edged Éire Óg two clear in the 41st minute but points from an on-fire Seán Nolan and Jason Forde pegged them back before four on the bounce for the ‘Mines saw them lead by three with ten minutes of normal time remaining.

Éire Óg Annacarty lost their captain Paudie Bradshaw on 51 minutes after Conor McKelvey was yellow carded for a late shoulder. Minutes later, Paul Downey received his marching orders following an altercation with McKelvey before Seán Nolan rattled the back of the Éire Óg net with a sublimely skilful 57th minute goal.

Éire Óg Annacarty re-grouped and with six minutes of injury time to play they set about reeling in the ‘Mines. Connie Bradshaw cut the deficit before Patrick Leamy retorted with an effort from range.

Éire Óg threw everything at a faltering Silvermines side with three points on the bounce, and realistically they could have snatched victory given their dominance in time added on. The ‘Mines rearguard held fast though and held out for a hard-earned and hard-fought three-point victory.

Silvermines were impressive for the vast majority of the game with their inside forward line of Seán Nolan and Andy Hayden amassing 2-7 from play between them.

Patrick Leamy was a stand-out performer at midfield while Seán McGrath really caught the eye in defence. Jason Forde and Conor McKelvey chipped in with some fine points also.

For Éire Óg Annacarty Tom Fox, Dinny Crosse, Daragh Kelly and Paudie Bradshaw impressed while Donal O’Dwyer picked off three fine points from play for a side that will no doubt re-group to have a say in this year's county championship.

Player of the Match: Seán Nolan (Silvermines)

Silvermines: Conor Murphy (7); Sean McGrath (0-1, 8), Noel Quirke (7), Darragh Nolan (7); Luke O’Brien (7), Darragh McKelvey (6), Noel Quirke (7); Patrick Leamy (0-3, 8), Cathal Treacy (7); Conor McKelvey (0-1, 7); Jason Forde (0-7, 4f, 2 65’, 7), Darragh Treacy (7); Andy Hayden (1-2, 8), Danny Quinn (0-1, 7), Seán Nolan (1-5, 8).

Subs: Bryan Seymour (7) for D McKelvey (22 inj); Adam Steed (6) for Quirke (52); Oisin Murphy (NR) for Quinn (60); Cynan Bailey (NR) for C McKelvey (60+2).

Éire Óg Annacarty/Donohill: Darragh Mooney (0-1f, 7); Darragh O’Brien (6), David Fox (7), Mixie Bradshaw (6); Brian Fox (6), Tom Fox (8), Daniel Kelly (7); Connie Bradshaw (0-1, 7), Paudie Bradshaw (0-1, 7); Conor O’Brien (7); Dinny Crosse (1-2, 8), Seanie Ryan (0-1, 7); Aidan Griffin (0-5, 4f, 7), Daragh Kelly (1-3, 0-3f, 7), Donal O’Dwyer (0-3).

Sub: Adam Kelly (6) for P Bradshaw (52 inj).

Referee: John Dooley (Thurles Gaels).