Salthill/Rahoon finish in blaze of glory to complete memorable double

Rahoon/Salthill 3-16

Killimor 2-11

A stunning second half display from a strong Rahoon/Salthill outfit overcame a spirited Killimor challenge in Kenny Park, Athenry on Sunday as the city side pulled clear in the closing ten minutes to capture the Pier Head Minor B hurling title and complete a minor/under-21 B double.

Goals from captain Joe Curtin, centre half forward Andy Dunne, and Man of the Match Eoin Kennedy were crucial factors in the win.

Hanbury’s side’s victory as they overcame a Killimor side whose challenge was reignited by a fortuitous goal on 49 minutes when David Daly’s long range free landed in the net.

Only two points in front after that setback, Rahoon/Salthill supporters could have been forgiven for expecting a nervy closing ten minutes but their side’s key players, Dunne, Kennedy, and Eamonn Brannigan, all contributed massively in the closing stages to ensure there would be no dramatic finale.

Killimor replied through a Johnny Callanan point and although Kennedy showed he was on form with a classy point, Killimor hit back with a vengeance as Conor Donnelly pointed on nine minutes before a David Daly free dropped short and Kevin Hanney rifled a sweet shot to the net to put Tom Brien’s side into the lead for the first time.

Two Kennedy points for Rahoon/Salthill followed, but Killimor regained the ascendancy thanks to four points in succession from Daly (two frees), Callanan, and a splendid Kevin McEvoy effort. As the rain began to pour down, Dunne steadied his side with a pointed free, before Brannigan lofted in a good ball for David Walsh to score on 25 minutes.

Some astute refereeing then led to Rahoon/Salthill grabbing their second goal as Phelim Shaughnessy played a good advantage which led to Joe Curtin latching onto a loose ball and pulling sweetly to the net. Killimor, however, were not intent on letting Rahoon/Salthill retreat to the dressing rooms with a lead, and Callanan and Daly (free) meant the sides were deadlocked at 1-8 to 2-5.

On the resumption, though, Rahoon/Salthill quickly stamped their authority on the contest with six of the opening seven scores of the second half, with substitute Shane Kelly quickly making his mark with a point after Kennedy and Brannigan had again made inroads. Dunne then converted two frees before Brannigan drove over a fine score to make it 2-9 to 1-8. 

A rousing score from long range by Callanan reawoke the Killimor crowd, but Rahoon/Salthill’s dominance continued as Kennedy set up Dunne for his first from play before Dunne and Brannigan combined wonderfully in the half forward line for the latter to score. Brian Gohery then surged forward to cut the deficit, but Brannigan cancelled this out with a deft score.

Beyond the score-taking and general good quality of their defending, the quality and intelligence of Rahoon/Salthill’s passing at times was a joy to behold. Best for them were Eoin Kennedy, Andy Dunne, Eamonn Brannigan, Jack Walsh, Colin Hanbury, and Joe Curtin. Killimor’s best displays came from Johnny Callanan, David Daly, Shane Madden, Kevin Hanney, and Liam Fahy.