Mellows have no answer to inspired Healy

Date Published: 29-Apr-2008

A TOUR de force performance from Craughwell sharpshooter Niall Healy helped to secure his side two valuable championship points in this lively opening round Group A clash in Athenry on Sunday evening.

Finishing with a personal tally of 1-11, with eight points from frees, the Galway forward was the primary difference between two enthusiastic sides.

Indeed, were it not for Healy, one had to wonder just where Craughwell would have conjured up the scores. Certainly, this will not be lost on manager Kieran Rabbitte and his management team this week.

As it was, the on-fire Healy was on hand to net the contest’s most crucial score on 49 minutes, when snapping a long delivery, he turned his marker, before unleashing an absolute screamer beyond the despairing reach of Mellows goalkeeper Kenny Walsh.

Once again, this was the difference between the sides. For all their excellent work and bright endeavour, Mellows had no forward who could consistently replicate what Healy was achieving at the other end of the field.

It was not that Mellows were simply outplayed either. Throughout long periods of the contest, they were the better side. They played some neat hurling sporadically sprinkled with moments of interplay fitting to grace any stage. It was just that when it came to turning this possession into scores, the Mellows offensive unit were, by and large, unable to oblige.

Yet, it’s worth noting that …………………..