Portumna survive grandstand finish

Date Published: 26-Feb-2008

HURLING’S hottest sensation Joe Canning lived up to his billing when inspiring Portumna to a second All-Ireland Club final at Limerick on Sunday.

Canning, who was rated doubtful beforehand due to a hamstring injury, made light of his disrupted preparations to hit Loughmore-Castleiney for 1-9 in an All-Ireland semi-final which hardly lived up to expectations.

Despite a poor start and the concession of two late goals to Michael Webster and young Noel McGrath, Portumna still comfortably managed to set up a mouthwatering final date with neighbours, Birr, on St. Patrick’s Day.

The final margin of 2-13 to 2- 8 didn’t flatter Jimmy Heverin’s men. Canning’s ninth minute goal compensated for a difficult opening when they fell three points behind to the Tipperary champions.

Portumna led by only 1-5 to 0-4 at the interval having had the backing of the wind, but they moved into top gear during the third quarter when pulling nine points clear.

Their second goal from Niall Hayes was a terrific team score after Kevin Hayes, who got much the better of his key tussle with David Kennedy on the forty, Andy Smith and the tireless Damien Hayes had done the spadework.

Some Loughmore fans were …………………