Holycross come of age in dethroning Loughmore

GAA: FBD Insurance Tipperary Senior Hurling Championship Preliminary Quarter-Final

Holycross/Ballycahill 4-25

Loughmore/Castleiney 4-18

Report: Michael Dundon at The Ragg

MATCH DIGEST

Player of the Match: Bryan O’Mara (Holycross/Ballycahill)

SCORERS – Holycross/Ballycahill: Darragh Woods 1-8 (0-4 frees); Robbie Ryan, Joe Caesar 1-4 each; Eoin Craddock 0-4; Cathal Barrett 1-0; Bryan O’Mara 0-2; Evan Morris, Jamie Lee Dwan, Tiarnan Ryan 0-1 each.

Loughmore/Castleiney: John McGrath 2-8 (0-6 frees); Liam McGrath 2-2; Eoin O’Connell, Brian McGrath 0-2 each; Ciaran Connolly, Ed Meagher, Joey Quinn, Tommy Maher 0-1 each.

What a contest! Having suffered more than most at the hands of Loughmore/Castleiney in recent years, Holycross/Ballycahill exacted sweet revenge in dethroning the two-time defending champions in the County Senior Hurling Championship preliminary quarter-final on Saturday.

Holycross lost to Loughmore, in extra time, in the Mid final in July, and also in the county semi-final last year. Despite all the promise shown and the success enjoyed by Holycross at under-age level, when the chips were down, Loughmore/Castleiney were the stumbling block that all to often foiled their bid for silverware.

That all changed on Saturday as Holycross/Ballycahill swept to a hugely impressive win that firmly installs them as championship favourites after a contest worthy of a county final that thrilled a capacity crowd from start to finish.

Loughmore-Castleiney, chasing a third title in a row, fought like champions but their injury-hit side faded in the closing stages of a free-scoring contest and could have no complaint about the outcome.

There was a great buzz about The Ragg as the sides warmed up and when the ball was thrown in the action was breath-taking. Inside a minute, Cathal Barrett’s long range effort ended in the Loughmore net, goalkeeper Aidan McGrath distracted by Mikey Nally’s presence. Two minutes later, Liam McGrath had a Loughmore goal. The pattern was set – the tempo and excitement at full pitch throughout.

Holycross, with Bryan O’Mara and Joe Caesar leading the way, had the better of the opening exchanges to go 1-7 to 1-2 ahead after twelve minutes. Then Loughmore found their feet – four points on the trot leaving them one behind, going into the second quarter.

After 21 minutes, Mikey Nally had the ball in the Loughmore net but referee Michael Kennedy had earlier blown for a penalty. Holycross’ disgruntlement was assuaged when Joe Caesar fired the penalty to the net with conviction.

In keeping with the trend of the game, Loughmore struck back immediately, John McGrath making space for himself from break off the puckout to rifle home a Loughmore goal. The half-time break came with Holycross ahead 2-11 to 2-10 and the prospect of another thrilling half to follow.

Ten minutes into the second half, Loughmore/Castleiney went in front for the only time in the game, John McGrath firing home his second goal off a Joey Hennessy pass, 3-13 to 2-15.

Now the challenge was put up to Holycross and they responded impressively. Inside a minute, Eoin Craddock levelled with a point, Joe Caesar nudged them ahead, before John McGrath equalised for the champions.

It was edge of the seat stuff, but Darragh Woods’ goal off a Robbie Ryan pass to which he, Jamie Lee Dwan and Eoin Craddock added points had Holycross 3-20 to 3-14 leaders going into the last quarter.

The game was very much in Holycross’ court and chastened by their Mid final loss when again in a winning position, they drove for home, countering each Loughmore point with a score of their own. Six points clear with a minute left on the hour, Robbie Ryan scored a spectacular goal for Holycross that virtually guaranteed their progression.

To add to Loughmore woes, John Ryan was red-carded for a foul on Ryan but the champions died with their boots on, Liam McGrath netting in the third minute of added time, too late to spark a revival but typifying the never-say-die spirit that has characterised this Loughmore/Castleiney team for years.

So Holycross/Ballycahill go through to the last eight and with great conviction. This was their best display for some time and the challenge for them is to build on it as they chase a first county senior title for more than two decades. Clearly, they have the players. Consistency is now the key with no safety net for below par performances and no easy opponents in the offing.

Bryan O’Mara was exceptional at the heart of their defence. So too were Joe Caesar and Robbie Ryan, leaders in key positions. They didn’t lack company. Tadgh Gould, Evan Morris, Eoin Craddock and Darragh Woods all had huge games. The only blemish on a great day’s work for the club was the hamstring twinge that prompted Cathal Barrett’s withdrawal late on, a precautionary intervention perhaps with the quarter final spot secured. On the positive side Jim Ryan had his first brief taste of action after a prolonged spell on the sideline through injury.

Loughmore/Castleiney were looking for a third title in a row but with John Meagher and Ed Connolly sidelined through injury, and a few more not fully fit, the odds were stacked against them. They bowed out like true champions, after a run that did themselves and their parish proud.

They still may claim silverware on the football front if their casualty list clears but they have a tough road ahead in a season that has never really taken off. Time may be taking its toll but who will write them off, given their durability record. Brian McGrath and John McGrath led the charge for them with Eoin O/Connell, Liam McGrath and Willie Eviston also to the fore.

TEAMS – Holycross/Ballycahill: Ewan Bourke (6); Cathal O’Reilly (6), Cathal Barrett (Capt 6), Evan Morris (7); Jack Ryan (6), Bryan O’Mara (9), Joe Caesar (8); Tadgh Gould (7), Tiarnan Ryan (6); Jamie Lee Dwan (6), Eoin Craddock (7), Ben Hennessy (6); Robbie Ryan (7), Mikey Nally (6), Darragh Woods (7).

Subs: David Fogarty (6) for Hennessy (35); Jim Ryan (NR) for Barrett (58 inj); Jimmy Lahart (NR) for Nally (60); Jack Dwan (NR) for R Ryan (60+2).

Loughmore/Castleiney: Aidan McGrath (6); Lorcan Egan (6), Willie Eviston (7), Eoin O’Connell (7); Tommy Maher (6), Noel McGrath (6), John Ryan (6); Brian McGrath (7), Ciaran Connolly (6); Joey Hennessy (6), Tomas McGrath (6), Ciaran McGrath (6); Liam McGrath (Capt 7), John McGrath (7), Philip O’Connell (6).

Subs: Ciaran McCormack (6) for P O’Connell (HT); Ed Connolly (6) for T McGrath (HT); Joey Quinn (6) for E Connolly (46 inj); Ed Meagher (7) for Maher (51); Liam Treacy (6) for Hennessy (55).

Referee: Michael Kennedy (Newcastle).