Lorrha aim to erase unwanted record

 

Lorrha have a storied history when it comes to hurling in this county, but they hope to erase one unwanted record when they take on Mullinahone in the Seamus O Riain Cup final on Saturday.

While the O Riain Cup is a second tier competition, it is still technically a senior championship where Lorrha will aim to win a first county title at the sixth time of asking where they hold the dubious honour of having appeared in the most county senior finals without winning one.

Their losing record goes back to 1905 when they won their first North title but didn’t field in the county final against Two-Mile Borris.

Lorrha’s third North title came in 1948 with Tony Reddin manning the goals for the victory against Borris-Ileigh, however the fell to a John Doyle inspired Holycross/Ballycahill side in the final.

Eight years later came their fourth North title but yet again defeat was their lot in the county final at the hands of Thurles Sarsfields who were in the second year of an incredible run of eleven championships in twelve years.

As Sarsfields fell away in the mid-sixties, Lorrha came again, reaching the final against Carrick Davins but the Mick Roche led side were much too strong.

Lorrha’s most recent senior final appearance was in centenary year of 1984 but the concession of a late goal saw them fall to Moycarkey/Borris who won their second title in three years.

Current manager John McIntyre and selector Martin Young were members of that team while Aidan McIntyre, Ken Hogan, Johnny Sullivan, Donal O’Donoghue and Willie Fogarty all have sons on the current panel.