Comprehensive SHC wins for Rangers and St Mullins

BEFORE their games this evening, Mount Leinster Rangers and St Mullins, Carlow hurling’s aristocrats, had already qualified for the semi-finals. Nevertheless, they sent out a message that they are not going to rest on their laurels when they dispatched the challenges of Naomh Eoin and Bagenalstown Gaels with a bit to spare.

First up in Netwatch Cullen Park, Rangers were ruthless as they beat old rivals, Naomh Eoin 1-27 to 0-14. Although the Borris side only led 0-10 to 0-7 at half time, the final scoreline said it all as the eventual winners went up a gear and Naomh Eoin were unable to hold a slick looking forward line.

Not for the first time this year, Ted Joyce was his side’s leading scorer. He accounted for 1-5 here with the three-pointer coming in the third quarter. Around him Dean Tobin, Jon Nolan, Ciaran Kavanagh and Donagh Murphy feasted off a Naomh Eoin side who only offered honest endeavour but little else. In fact, the Myshall team can thank Brian Tracey, their intercounty goalkeeper, who made a string of fine saves in both halves. After that his brother, Cathal, and Colm Beck offered most resistance with both scoring 0-7 between them.

The second game was more of the same with the Bagenalstown Gaels keeper, Andrew Townsend, saving his side from an even bigger and embarrassing defeat. His save from Conor Kehoe in the opening minutes was a sign of things to come. St Mullins were all over their rivals with James Doyle and Jason O’Neill scoring 0-10 and 1-5 respectively.

St Mullins led at half-time by 1-11 to 0-2 against 14 players as Andrew Casey picked up two yellow cards. O'Neill scored the only goal of the half and with nothing going right for the Gaels, Marty Kavanagh, Paddy Walsh and John Doyle added further goals.

Toward the end, Bagenalstown were reduced to 13. Craig Doyle also received two yellow cards with the second coming as the game drew to a close.

*FULL COVERAGE OF THESE GAMES TO APPEAR IN TUESDAY'S EDITION OF THE CARLOW NATIONALIST