Four-midable Portumna are crowned champions

The experience built up through a decade of unprecedented success made all the difference to Galway champions Portumna as they overcame Mount Leinster Rangers of Carlow to win a fourth All-Ireland club hurling title in nine seasons at Croke Park yesterday.

Having players of the calibre of Joe Canning, Ollie Canning and Damien Hayes to pick off the scores at a key stage of a tense second half made all the difference to Francis Canning’s side as they clinched the title for the first time since 2009.

Perhaps it was not a vintage Portumna performance, but their composure under pressure was a huge source of satisfaction to the Galway contingent in the attendance of just over 31,400 as they won out by 0-19 to 0-11.

 “It’s been an unbelievable journey for this club over the past 10 years,” said inspirational captain Ollie Canning (37), whose switch from corner-back to wing-forward has been something of a master-stroke over the past year.

“We never dreamed we would be back here to pick up the Tommy Moore Cup for the fourth time,” he said.

Operating as a third midfielder, Joe Canning ended the contest with 10 points – two from play – on an afternoon when Kevin Hayes (0-2) and young Ronan O’Meara also found the target for the Galway champions.

* Full report and interviews in this week’s Connacht Tribune.