Long drive is worth it for Lorrha skipper
By Liam Hogan
Lorrha captain Eoin McIntyre is enjoying his second year as leader of the Lower Ormond men but the captain’s role hasn’t hampered his performances on the field as he continues to be a regular score getter for his side.
Mr Consistency has been one of the leaders in attack for quite some time. He made his senior debut in 2014 when Lorrha manager Jim Williams gave him his chance to make his mark against Carrick Davins. Jimmy Dunne was his midfield partner that day as Lorrha went into defeat Knockavilla Kickhams and JK Brackens to win the group and be promoted to the Dan Breen Cup for 2015. Kiladangan beat Lorrha in the preliminary quarter final later that year also.
Eoin won three championship medals at underage level. In 2008 he lined out at corner forward as Lorrha under 14s defeated Ballina in the North ‘B’ decider. Later they fell to Knockavilla Kickhams in the county final following a replay. Brian Hogan, Christopher Fogarty and Eoin Cleary were also on the same team.
One year later he added a North Under 16 ‘B’ medal following victory over Ballina and in 2010 he won a North Minor ‘B’ medal as Lorrha defeated Portroe in the final and were edged out by a Cathal Barrett inspired Holycross/Ballycahill in the county final.
Playing in midfield or the half forward line, Eoin has continued his brilliant form this year as Lorrha responded from their first-round defeat to Thurles Sarsfields to reach the final.
“We were too hyped up for the first game against Thurles Sarsfields,” he recalls.
“We didn’t hurl that day at all. But we regrouped, had a few lengthy discussions and tried to sort out some problems. We got back on track for our second game against Kiladangan and we continue to improve with each game.”
When it comes to dedication, Eoin McIntyre is right up there. Every Tuesday he drives down from Dublin for training as he is a primary school teacher in Dundrum.
“It’s just me up in Dublin this year,” he said in terms of having company in the drive down.
“Last year I used drive down each Tuesday with Patrick Maher, Cian Hogan and my brother Niall. I would usually leave straight from school and get a nap when I reach home. I would go training and my mother would usually have a meal ready for me before I head back to Dublin late that night. I would come again on Friday and stay for the weekend.
“It is worth coming down for especially when we get this far. That makes it much easier. In the winter and long night’s, it’s much more difficult.”
Lorrha take on a Mullinahone side they have never played in championship hurling before. They did meet in a league game last year but neither side were even close to full strength and he is anticipating a tough challenge from the South Tipp men.
“They have some great players. I saw their game against Newport, and they looked like they were in trouble early on but the way they fought back was admirable and we will be up against it in the final,” he said.