St. Thomas’ blast title warning with clear-cut victory

Date Published: 01-Jun-2011

St Thomas’ 2-22

Castlegar 3-7

CIARAN TIERNEY

AT KENNY PARK

THE most successful team in Galway hurling history appear to be heading for big trouble if one is to judge by the clear gulf in class at Athenry on Wednesday evening when Castlegar were hammered by a youthful and far more skilful St Thomas’ in a one-sided senior championship Group C tie.

If anything, Castlegar were flattered by the 12 point margin of defeat as county star Ger Farragher saved their blushes a little with a late goal from a dubious penalty after the South Galway men had long since secured a comfortable victory.

It’s two games without a win now for a demoralised Castlegar camp and, with games against Sarsfields and All-Ireland champions Clarinbridge to come, it’s hard to see how they can avoid finishing bottom of the group and heading towards the relegation dog-fight on the basis of this performance.

Cashel have a proud history, and have never lost their senior status since becoming the first Galway team to win the All-Ireland 31 years ago, but they were clearly second best against a St. Thomas’ side who did not even need to hit top gear.

With the sole exception of brave defender Kevin Brady, Castlegar did not seem to have the heart for battle against a St. Thomas’ side who dominated the play from start to finish and held an unassailable lead (2-14 to 1-4) by half-time.

The only moment of doubt came when corner forward Ronan O’Flynn goaled for the losers after eight minutes, reducing a four point deficit to the minimum, but the victors kept their composure and kept putting points on the board.

A decent crowd of about 400, given the awful conditions, saw St. Thomas’ opt to start with wind advantage and they went five points up thanks to scores from the lively Anthony Kelly (two), and Kenneth, David, and Bernard Burke,

before Farragher opened Cashel’s account from a free.

O’Flynn produced a strong run in from the right corner to plant an unstoppable ball to the net, but strong centre forward Conor Cooney responded with a pointed free. They might be young, but there is strength down the middle of this St. Thomas’ side with Cooney, centre back Donal Cooney, committed captain Robbie Murray, and James Regan at full-forward all catching the eye over the hour.

Add in the contributions of county man David Burke at midfield, and wing forwards Bernard Burke and Richie Murray, and it soon became clear that the South Galway men were winning out tussles all over the field.

Richie Murray hit two excellent points in a row before a Connor Cooney free fell to Bernard Burke, whose score opened up a five point lead by the 22nd minute.

Farragher’s wizardry from the placed ball reduced the deficit, but it was notable that O’Flynn’s goal was his side’s only score from play in the entire first half – otherwise, they relied on four Farragher frees as they tried in vain to stay in touch.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.