Salthill’s young hurlers pay price

Date Published: 17-Nov-2009

A LATE flurry of points helped Kilnadeema /Leitrim overcome a brave Salthill/Knocknacarra effort in the minor hurling B semifinal at Ballinderreen on Saturday.

After trailing Kilnadeema at the break, Salthill upped their performance on the resumption and levelled the game. However, the East Galway side rallied strongly in the final minutes to ensure victory and a meeting with Michael Cusacks in the final.

Kilnadeema took advantage of a strong wind in the first half and accordingly built up a substantial lead. At half time they led by 1-6 to 0-2 but, in fairness to Salthill, they missed a number of frees which they were to rue at the end of the game.

The winners took an early lead with a fine point from Damien Donoghue before the city outfit opened their account through a Tadhg Haran pointed free. However Kilnadeema/Leitrim then took control and had points from Finian O’Toole, Daragh Herlihy and Michael O’Donoghue.

A well taken Damien Donoghue put further daylight between the teams although Haran replied with a pointed free to leave his team seven adrift at the interval.

Salthill came much more into the game on the resumption and an early Haran point gave them a timely boost. Later a free from Haran travelled all the way to the Kilnadeema net. The Seasiders were now pouring forward at every opportunity and they were rewarded when a harmless shot from Jeff Malone trickled to the net for a fortuitous goal.

The game was now evenly balanced. However it was Kilnadeema who upped their performance and really tore into the game. They had white flags from Daragh Herlihy and Padraic Stapleton to leave them two in front.

Kilnadeema went further ahead thanks to points from Herlihy and Alvin Mitchell although Haran was on target from another free.

However Kilnadeema/ Leitrim clinched the game with a goal from Shane Lawless and a late point from substitute Gary Curley with Neil Hyland adding a point for the city boys.

Kilnadeema/Leitrim were more consistent over the hour and were better at taking their chances They had fine performances from James Conway and Cathal King in the full backline. Mark Kelly was outstanding at wing back and his ability to sweep behind the dropping ball was hugely significant. Others to impress included Conor Fahy, Damian Donoghue, Shane Lawless and Daragh Herlihy.

Salthill, for their part, put up a game performance but were guilty of a number of missed chances. Tadhg Haran was their main inspiration and he was ably supported by Gareth Armstrong, Michael Collins, Conor O’Shea, Michael O’Donnell and Jeff Malone.