Mass brawl mars Larkins’ crucial win over Mullagh

Tommy Larkins 1-19

Mullagh 0-13

By Patrick Early

Tommy Larkins revived their championship season with a dominant victory over a disappointing Mullagh, in a game not short of controversy.

Referee John Keane’s decision to send off Mullagh corner-back Cathal Kennedy in the 6th minute of first-half injury-time drew a reaction from the Mullagh players and led to violent scenes just before the break.

Mullagh were initially awarded a free-out after Tommy Larkins’ Ronan Murphy was deemed to have over carried. Kennedy appeared to strike Murphy in an attempt to retrieve the sliotar, and Keane was left with no choice but to send the Mullagh corner back to the line.

From the resulting throw in, Sean Hardiman claimed possession only to be shouldered over the line by Larkins midfielder Colm Flynn. An already disgruntled Mullagh outfit didn’t take too kindly to the challenge and a mass brawl broke out on the sideline in front of the stand involving players, substitutes and management from both sides.

Keane eventually defused the situation somewhat and blew the half time whistle with players reluctantly retiring to their dressing rooms although, after seeing how frustrated Mullagh were with the decision to send off Kennedy, Keane may have been better advised blowing for the break after the initial incident, given six minutes of stoppage time had already been amassed.

Aside from the ugly scenes which marred the opening half, fans in attendance were treated to some fantastic free-flowing hurling from Tommy Larkins. They took control of proceedings right from the throw-in, with Jason Flynn firing over after eight seconds.

Three further scores from Flynn (two frees) had the Woodford/Ballinakill men 0-4 to 0-2 ahead approaching the midway point in the half, before Kevin McHugo struck for the games decisive score.

A beautifully-weighted ball out from the corner by Ronan Murphy found the onrushing McHugo and he made no mistake, burying the ball past Eric Ward in the Mullagh net.

McHugo would go on to hit his side’s next two scores with a Padraig Kennedy placed ball Mullagh’s sole response. Two scores each by the impressive duo Colm Flynn and Conor Gardiner had Tommy Larkins in a commanding position after 23 minutes; 1-10 to 0-3.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.