Mellows have something to prove after a poor showing

Date Published: {J}

Carnmore 0-15

Liam Mellows 0-12

CIARAN TIERNEY

GUTS and determination can make a huge difference in a game of hurling as 2011 surprise packets Carnmore showed when they overcame a muted Liam Mellows challenge to maintain their 100% record in Group B of the senior championship at Athenry on Sunday evening.

While there was an element of rustiness in both sides’ performances after the ridiculous three month summer lay-off, Carnmore led this tie from start to finish and were full value for a result which sees them sitting proudly at the top of the table.

What is it with Mellows? On paper, the city side looked the stronger outfit heading into this game and any team featuring county panellists David Collins, John Lee, and Aonghus Callanan, plus up-and coming U-21 star Tadhg Haran, should really be looking to make an impact on the latter stages of the championship.

The reality is that the industrious Collins, lining out at centre back, and Haran only really made a significant impact here and the city side managed just one score from play in the entire second period.

They chased the game in the closing stages and a shot from Collins came crashing back off the crossbar in the final minute of normal time, but they did not deserve anything from a tie in which they looked to have less interest than their more committed rivals.

Carnmore are unlikely to be still in the hunt for honours on county final day, but there is an admirable work-rate to the men in red who have transformed their fortunes this season after losing all of their group games in the last two campaigns.

Their renaissance was epitomised here by the fabulous work-rate of wing back Owen Hynes, the midfield heroics of U-21 player Donie Fox, and the reliable free-taking of Barry Hanley, who fired over eight points over the hour.

Even though the pace of the game was slow in the first half, Carnmore began with the greater urgency and enjoyed a 5-1 lead after ten minutes, thanks to three Hanley frees, a superb point on the run by Fox, and a well-taken Shane Hynes effort, set up by Cathal Hynes.

Mellows could only muster up a pointed Conor Hynes free, following a foul on corner forward Ross Bennis, during that period and there were 12 minutes on the clock by the time Haran, set up by Lee, hit their first score from play.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.