Larkins and Gort secure their places in U-21 B showdown

By Niall Canavan

THE County under 21 B hurling final will see Tommy Larkins take on Gort. In their semi-final clash Larkins recorded a 2-21 to 1-15 victory over Kinvara while Gort defeated their neighbours Michael Cusacks by 0-19 to 1-14 as they qualified for the final which will take place on Saturday, November  12, at Kenny Park, Athenry (2.30pm)

Tommy Larkins  2-21

Kinvara 1-15

Tommy Larkins were the dominant side in this game played at Kenny Park on Saturday. They led by 0-13 to 0-6 at the interval before second half goals from Kevin McHugo and Ronan Murphy secured them a nine point victory over a Kinvara side that relied on Conor Whelan for the majority of their scores.

Larkins led by 0-8 to 0-3 after 18 minutes with McHugo in fine scoring form – he scored six of these points, four from frees, one from play and another form an exquisite sideline cut with Ronan Murphy and Conor Gardiner their other point scorers.

Nessan O’Hanrahan and Whelan (2) were on target for a Kinvara side that lined out without injured duo Shane Byrne and Ronan Kilkelly, although the latter who has suffered from a long term injury, did come on in the second half.

Additional Tommy Larkins points prior to half time from Gardiner (3) and McHugo (2) saw Tommy Larkins stretch their lead with Whelan (2) and Gary Kilkelly replying for a Kinvara side that were 0-13 to 0-6 in arrears at the interval.

Whelan landed two early second half points from frees for Kinvara but by the 41st minute a McHugo goal saw Tommy Larkins lead by 1-16 to 0-10. Aside from McHugo, Thomas Gardiner was also on target for Larkins.

A second Tommy Larkins goal was scored by Ronan Murphy by the three quarter stage as they surged 2-17 to 0-12 in front.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.