Moloney’s late scoring exploits saves the day for Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry

Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry 2-14

Athenry 1-14

SHANE Moloney’s ability for late winners is renowned and his club could be thankful for his Saturday evening heroics at Duggan Park next Autumn as Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry stole the points in this senior hurling championship tie.

When Ronan Hardiman converted a free on 64 minutes to put Athenry 1-14 to 1-13 ahead, it looked enough for Diarmuid Burns’ team after they held off a fightback from their opponents. But as Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry chased an equaliser, they were rewarded with the ultimate score.

Attacking down the left, Padraig Robinson gained possession 60 seconds later before sending Moloney in the clear and he made no mistake in beating John Grealish between the Athenry posts.

After taking the initiative and holding the advantage, it was a bitter blow for Athenry and try as they might, they were unable to salvage a result, with a further free from Moloney securing a three-point victory.

Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry came into the tie as favourites and took the lead in the first minute through Moloney. However, their tactics of playing just two full forwards with the slight breeze seemed to backfire as Athenry took control.

Cian Burke equalised on four minutes and then hit the net in Athenry’s next attack only for the goal to be disallowed after referee Michael Conway had blown for a free. Hardiman added the point and another placed ball on seven minutes made it 0-3 to 0-1.

Full report in this week’s Connacht Tribune.