Inter-Firms holders Medtronic fend off Galway Teachers

Date Published: 29-Nov-2012

Medtronic 1-15

Galway Teachers 2-9

MEDTRONIC senior hurlers had three points to spare over a gallant Galway Teachers side in an splendidly contested Galway Inter-Firms final which was played in ideal conditions in Kenny Park, Athenry last Saturday.

In a tight first half, goalkeeper’s Colm Callanan’s 24th minute goal from a 21 yards free was the difference between the sides. After a powerful third quarter, Medtronic stretched their advantage to seven before a Sean Kelly goal early in the final quarter left the match back in the melting pot.

While Medtronic stretched their advantage once more, they were nearly caught in the end. A goal from substitute Eric Walsh left three between the sides as the match entered injury time. The Teachers had one final chance with the final puck of the match, but Joe O’Leary’s free was smothered by the packed Medtronic defence.

Medtronic started the brighter and points from Kevin Briscoe and Niall Healy give them an early advantage. The Teachers quickly settled and two Sean Kelly points had the sides level inside the opening eight minutes.

There was nothing to separate the teams in the opening quarter. Keril Wade and Niall Healy edged the victors in front, but both were cancelled out by Alan Dolan. David Burke struck the lead point for the Teachers, but this was quickly cancelled by another Niall Healy effort.

The break which Medtronic needed came in the form of a Colm Callanan goal. Shane Menton was bundled over close to the Teachers’ posts and Callanan came up the pitch and rifled the resultant free to the back of the opposition net. Medtronic were now in the driving seat.

Both sides exchanged quick-fire points. Greg Lally and a Healy free were cancelled by efforts from Thomas Madden and Alan Dolan before the curtain came down on an exciting opening half, Medtronic 1-7, Galway Teachers 0-7.

The second half started off in the same fashion as the first half. Keril Wade from the off struck for the winners before another Dolan free replying for the Teachers.

Medtronic then turned the screw and points from Lally, Keril Hardiman and the accurate Wade had them six points clear after 38 minutes. Healy, from a free just inside the Teachers’ half, left seven between the sides as the match entered the final quarter.

The Teachers were not finished. Finian Coone closed the gap before Sean Kelly rifled home from a tight angle to leave just a score between the sides with 10 minutes remaining.

Medtronic refused to panic and their experience at this level counted. They finished stronger. Callanan was on target from when he pointed a long range free and from the resultant puck out Wade, with his fourth point of the contest, kept the scoreboard ticking over before Healy, from a free, left six between the sides with time running out.

There was time for late drama. Substitute Eric Walsh punished slack marking in the Medtronic rearguard with a late goal. But Medtronic held on win an entertaining contest. Team Captain Niall Healy accepted the Inter-Firms Cup from Joe Killeen, Chairman of Galway Interfirms GAA.

Medtronic now advance to the All-Ireland semi final where next up are the Leinster champions.

Medtronic: C. Callanan (1-1), frees); E. Cleary, A. Coen, B. Flaherty; P. Gordan, B. Regan, K. Hardiman (0-1); K. Briscoe (0-1), D. Joyce; G. Lally (0-2), M Flaherty, K. Wade(0-4), S. Menton, N. Healy (0-6, 0-4 frees). S. Hardiman. Subs: P. McHugo, K. Daniels, J. Connor.

Galway Teachers: J. O Leary; P. Holland, B. Burke, S. Kennedy; C. O’Donavan, J. Greene, A. Cullinane; T. Madden (0-1), D. Burke (0-1); C. Larkin, P. Killilea, S. Kelly (1-2); A. Dolan (0-4, 2 frees), F. Coone (0-1), S. McClearn. Subs: E. Walsh (1-0), G. Lyons, M. Tierney, J. Kelly, P. Kelly.

Referee: J. Keane