Connacht’s hurlers rise to challenge with strong second-half display

Connacht 1-18

Munster 0-16

A Connacht team comprised solely of Galway players qualified for their fourth successive M Donnelly Inter-provincial hurling final when they produced a storming second half display to overcome a Munster side whose challenge faded badly at Duggan Park, Ballinasloe on Sunday.

Munster had comfortably defeated Connacht in last year’s final, so this was sweet revenge for Anthony Cunningham’s men who faced a team which included four of last year’s All-Stars amongst their starting XV. This all-Galway side stayed in the contest when they appeared outgunned early on before launching a stunning comeback after the interval.

While some may denigrate this competition for its lack of appeal to the masses, it surely has its place if the players’ hearts are in it. Anthony Cunningham got a good look at his squad on Sunday and they will get another competitive game in the final where they will hopefully end a string of three defeats.

Iarla Tannian’s first half heroics kept Connacht in this one, while defenders Ronan Burke, Johnny Coen, and David Collins all improved drastically in the second half. Padraig Brehony, Jason Flynn and Cathal Mannion all contributed, subs Aidan Harte and Richie Cummins made a difference, while Conor Cooney’s accuracy proved invaluable when Munster faded badly after the break.