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Hennessy return made all the difference as Tullaroan get off to winning start
TULLAROAN, who barely avoided relegation last season, edged out Erin's Own (Castlecomer) in this closely contested senior hurling league opening round game at Ballyragget on Sunday
The game was played in reasonably good weather conditions although a rain shower just after the off made ground conditions difficult.
Tullaroan enjoyed the better start. They had three points from Mark Walsh (two frees) and one from play by Tommy Walsh to settle them before David Buggy got the ‘Comer side off the mark with a pointed free in the 10th minute.
That three point lead at the start of the match was the biggest gap between the sides all afternoon. By the end of the first quarter Erin’s Own had equalised thanks to three pointed frees from the peerless David Buggy and one from play by Gordon Byrne.
Tullaroans’only reply during that period was a point from a Mark Walsh free. Then in the 20th minute a long delivery out of defence by Conor Fogarty was gathered by Peadar Boran on the edge of the Tullaroan square. He made space for himself before cracking the sliotar to the net to put his side three points ahead.
Back in front
Tullaroan’s reply was almost immediate. Substitute Shane Hennessey fired home a similar score from a 20 metre free at the other end. Hennessey then had a point from a free to put Tullaraon back into the lead,1-5 to 1-4.
Tommy Walsh won the puck-out and quickly transferred possession to Hennessey, who added another point. This was followed by a David Buggy point from a free that left the half time score: Tullaroan 1-6, Erin’s Own 1-5.
The second half was equally as competitive as the first. Tullaroan were still two points clear in the 52nd minute (1-9 to 1-7) when Eddie Brennan finished the sliotar to the net after the winners defence failed to deal with a long delivery from a Conor Fogarty free.
Within two minutes defiant Tullaroan had regained the lead. Shane Hennessey set up Paul Buggy for his side’s second goal.
At this stage ’Comer suffered a blow when Eddie Brennan was stretchered off with a nasty ankle injury and the long delay before the game restarted did not help their concentration. Tullaroan were still a point clear and they were determined.
The deadly accurate David Buggy again equalised with a pointed free. Tullaroan charged forward again and points from Shane Hennessey (free) and Pauric Walsh edged them two clear.
Beaten by clock
David Buggy then pointed a ’Comer free deep into injury-time but the clock beat them. Tullaroan held on for the narrowest of victories on an afternoon when both gave everything they got.
Erin’s Own will be disappointed with the result while Tullaroan will be thankful that the introduction of Shane Hennessey paid rich dividends. Hennessey didn’t make the starting line up due to doubts about his fitness levels following injury. His return of 1-5 and his overall contribution played a big part in Tullaroan’s victory
Tullaroan - Richard Butler, David Walsh, Paddy Campion, Richie Cleere, Martin Walsh, Ken Coogan, David Dowling, Tommy Walsh, Mark Walsh, Paul Doheny, Chris Maher, Nickey Maher, Padraig Walsh, Michael Walsh, Paul Buggy. Subs - Shane Hennessey for C. Maher (inj); Mark Simpson for N. Maher.
Erin’s Own - Tom Brophy, Aidan Moran, Sean Meally, Peter Donovan, Gerry Callinan, Damien Fogarty, Conor Fogarty, Gordon Byrne, Ronan Ryan, Eddie Brennan, Michael Owens, Michael Moran, Peader Boran, David Buggy, Martin Boran. Subs - James Mullins for M. Owens; Dermot Wallace for E. Brennan (inj).
Referee - D. Connolly (Mooncoin).
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Weather for Kilkenny
Tuesday 07 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 4 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South
