Hayes pounces at the death to break Ardrahan hearts

Portumna 1-15 Ardrahan 1-14

The rumblings were all the same leaving Loughrea! Why didn’t the referee blow it up after Ardrahan’s Cormac Diviney had equalised in the second minute of injury-time and give these two teams – who produced a memorable SHC quarter-final – another day out?

As it was, the ensuing passage of play from the Portumna puck-out saw Damien Hayes seize possession and, within the blink of an eye, he flashed an effort over the crossbar for his first score of the game – and, more importantly, a place in the semi-final, where they will face reigning county and All-Ireland holders St Thomas’ on Sunday, October 6.

Hayes’ point, no doubt, was a great source of relief for the Portumna contingent, particularly given the three-time All-Ireland club champions have struggled to get beyond this stage of the competition in recent years, but for Ardrahan it was a devastating blow.

Conor Dolan’s outfit had brought so much to this absorbing contest, they deserved something. This was no more underlined by the fact that the sides were on level terms 10 times; Ardrahan had led the game on six occasions; and they had overturned a two-point half-time deficit, 0-7 to 0-5, despite playing against the wind in the second period. What more could they do?

However, should we be critical of referee John Keane? As a neutral yearning for more, yes; but, in truth, Keane gave a very polished display in his officiating of the game – arguably, one of the best in the championship – and time added on, as always, was at the referee’s discretion.

Keane allowed the puck-out and he was entitled to do so. He wasn’t factoring in sentiment or gate receipts – nor should he – and, for that, he has to be applauded. The fact of the matter was: Ardrahan had a puck-out to defend and they didn’t defend it. That was the harsh reality. A tough lesson. Are neutrals gutted for them? Yes. However, Ardrahan can at least take some small comfort that there was no dishonour in this defeat.

In many respects, this quarter-final was a slow burner. The first half was blemished by some wayward shooting – seven wides apiece – and a wind-assisted Ardrahan, in particular, will rue the six of those they hit in the opening 16 minutes.

By this stage, Portumna had converted three of a paltry five scoring chances created, with Canning – free and play – and Andy Smith (free) tallying the points to wipe out Ardrahan scores from the lively David Kennedy and Maurice Callanan (free).

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.