Rangers make sure of IHC semi-final place
Mount Leinster Rangers made sure of their place in the JJ Kavanagh & Sons Intermediate Hurling Championship with a win over Naomh Eoin
Mount Leinster Rangers secured their place in the semi-finals of the JJ Kavanagh & Sons Intermediate Hurling Championship following a thrilling draw with Naomh Eoin in the final round of the league stages at Myshall on Sunday evening.
The stakes were high going into the contest. Rangers needed at least a draw to guarantee a semi-final berth, while Naomh Eoin required victory to create a three-way tie on six points. The result ultimately sees Mount Leinster Rangers and Bagenalstown Gaels advance to the semi-finals in third and fourth place respectively, joining group winners Carlow Town and runners-up Burren Rangers.
Both teams rose to the challenge and produced an entertaining, high-quality encounter throughout.
Declan Nolan opened the scoring for Naomh Eoin with a long-range free in the third minute before Rangers responded immediately through the accurate Jack Foley. The visitors enjoyed the better of possession during the opening quarter and points from Mike Joyce (2), Eoin Doyle and Foley helped them establish a four-point lead by the 22nd minute.
Naomh Eoin hit back in impressive fashion when a long puck-out from goalkeeper Tristan O'Shaughnessy found Eanna Kavanagh, who finished clinically past Eoin Colman for the game's opening goal.
With both sides moving the ball well, the hard playing surface and fast conditions ensured a lively and high-paced contest. Rangers restored control approaching half-time with points from Jack Cummins, Robert Stafford and Foley stretching their advantage to five points. However, scores from Eanna Kavanagh and Alex Carroll reduced the deficit before the interval, leaving Rangers 0-9 to 1-3 ahead at the break.
The visitors made an ideal start to the second half. Within four minutes, corner-forward Michael O'Grady struck an excellent goal to extend the lead to seven points. Further scores from Stafford and Foley increased the margin to nine points at 1-13 to 1-4 by the 40th minute.
Naomh Eoin, however, refused to yield. Having shown signs of a resurgence, they sprang back into contention when Martin Clowry finished from close range for their second goal. Soon after, centre-back Declan Nolan's long-range free evaded a crowded defence and found the net for a spectacular third goal.
With both teams playing some excellent hurling, the contest developed into one of the most entertaining games of the championship so far.
Declan Brennan edged Rangers further ahead with an important point, but Alex Carroll and Martin Clowry responded for the hosts before veteran Kevin Foley, showing all of his experience, rifled home a fourth Naomh Eoin goal to leave just a single point between the sides with six minutes remaining.
Carroll then levelled matters before Eanna Kavanagh nudged Naomh Eoin in front with two minutes to play. The home side had opportunities to extend their advantage, but Rangers showed their composure when free-taker Jack Foley converted a late placed ball to bring the sides level. Moments later, referee Johnny Murphy sounded the final whistle on a sporting and thoroughly enjoyable contest.
Hurling was undoubtedly the winner, with both teams displaying tremendous commitment, skill and determination throughout.
For Mount Leinster Rangers, Gary Lawlor excelled at full-back, while Dan Ryan, Eoin Doyle, Jack Ryan and Mark Dundon were highly influential in defence. Jack Griffith and Declan Brennan worked hard around midfield, while Foley led the attack superbly. He was ably supported by Robert Stafford, Michael O'Grady, Mike Joyce, Jack Cummins and Luke Kavanagh, while substitute Conor Hickey also made a positive contribution.
Naomh Eoin were well served by goalkeeper Tristan O'Shaughnessy and full-back James O'Hara, with strong support from Shane Kenny, Paddy Hogan and Eoin Kavanagh. Declan Nolan and Charlie Nolan covered huge ground, while Tomas Doyle and Ben Nolan were influential at midfield. In attack, Alex Carroll, Anthony Hogan and Matthew Houlihan worked tirelessly, while the experienced trio of Martin Clowry, Kevin Foley and Eanna Kavanagh demonstrated that they remain more than capable of finding the net when it matters most.
Credit is also due to referee Johnny Murphy, his four independent umpires and two independent linesmen for their contributions to a well-managed game.
Eoin Colman; Gavin Murphy, Gary Lawlor, Dan Ryan; Eoin Doyle (0-1), Jack Ryan, Mark Dundon; Jack Griffith, Declan Brennan (0-1); Jack Foley (0-10), Robert Stafford (0-2), Luke Kavanagh; Michael O'Grady (1-0), Mike Joyce (0-2), Joey Dalton.
Jack Cummins (0-1) for Luke Kavanagh; Conor Hickey for Michael O'Grady.
Tristan O'Shaughnessy; Shane Kenny, James O'Hara, Paddy Hogan; Eoin Kavanagh, Declan Nolan (1-1), Charlie Nolan; Ben Nolan, Tomas Doyle; Alex Carroll (0-4), Martin Clowry (1-1), Anthony Hogan; Kevin Foley (1-0), Eanna Kavanagh (1-2), Matthew Houlihan.
Johnny Murphy.
