Clean sweep for Portumna

Date Published: 04-Dec-2008

IT was a physical Senior Hurling League final at Duggan Park, Ballinasloe last Sunday, but Portumna’s experience proved the difference in the end as they finished the year unbeaten.

With an All-Ireland and County Cup already secured, Ollie Canning lifted his third trophy of the season but not before Beagh gave Portumna a serious challenge that could just as easily have gone their way.

Indeed, Nigel Harrington’s side made this a tighter contest than many expected and came close to a third goal near the end that would have put them back in the lead.

Portumna did lead 0-7 to 0-5 approaching half-time before Beagh hit the net. Brendan Gantley cut through the opposing defence before losing possession. But luckily for his side, the ball fell nicely to John Moylan who gave Joe Keane no chance and Beagh had taken the lead.

Joe Canning sent them in level at 1-5 to 0-8 before Ciaran Ryan put Portumna back in front five minutes after the restart. But just when the All-Ireland champions looked like taking control, Beagh hit a second goal and an encounter…