Moyne Templetuohy 2-13
Ballinahinch 0-16
By Mark Dunne PRO
Borrisoleigh was the venue for Round 2 of the County Intermediate Hurling Championship where a goal in each half was enough to see Moyne Templetuohy top group 1 with a hard fought three point win.
Ballinahinch were first to the game and took an early lead from the throw in with a David Gleeson point. Moyne Templetuohy slowly came into the game and when they did the next ten minutes set the foundation for the game. Conor Bowe was first to score from play, with a Gearoid O’Connor 65 and a Dee Fogarty sending Moyne Templetuohy 0-03 to 0-01 in front. Then came a huge boost for the Moyne men when a long high ball was plucked from the air by Conor Bowe who made no mistake finishing neatly to the net, reminiscent of his U20 displays in recent months. Bowe followed this up with a well worked point to put 6 points between the sides. Ballinahinch were always going to get their purple patch and it came shortly afterwards with two points from Shane McGrath and one from David Gleeson to put just a goal between the sides. Both defences worked hard with Liam Butler, Thossie Hamill and Tomás Hassett setting the tempo with sublime tackles. O’Connor pulled one back for Moyne Templetuohy but Ballinahinch responded well with a score of their own. Ballinahinch began to get a foot hold in the game with their quick passing beginning to cause issues for the Mid men. The outbreak of a horrendous shower of rain didn’t do much to help in the way of free flowing hurling. The remaining minutes of the half saw Ballinahinch outscore Moyne Templetuohy 0-03 to 0-01 to send the teams in level at the break. 1-07 to 0-10, game very much in the melting pot.
The second half began similar to the first. Moyne Templetuohy hit the ground running adding to their lead with two Gearoid O’Connor frees. Then came the game defining moment. A high ball into the Ballinahinch defence saw Martin Kelly battle in the air for possession, the ball eventually broke to the ground where it was pulled on and ended up in the back of Cormac McGraths net. Moyne were beginning to sing with Dee Fogarty working hard around the middle of the park to add another score with Tom Meade also getting in on the action with a fine point of his own. 2-11 to 0-10. Ballinahinch were not finished yet and took the next two scorers despite the best efforts of Donnacha Dunne and Jason Bergin who worked hard between both 65’s. Tom Meade then added a second to his name with a super score close to the side-line. Dee Fogarty then pressed hard and finished well after a good individual effort. 2-13 to 0-12. Ballinahinch though finished the stronger outscoring Moyne 0-04 to 0-00 in the remaining minutes of the game. Full time whistle saw Moyne Templetuohy emerge 3 point winners on a scoreline of 2-13 to 0-16.
It’s a matter of job done for Moyne Templetuohy who now top group 1 after two good wins, however, they will know themselves that going out of games for long spells like today would be punished more in the latter end of the Championship. Liam Butler, Eoin Gorman, Thossie Hamill and Pearce Meade all worked hard in defence while in the forwards Dee Fogarty, Jason Bergin, Gearoid O’Connor and John Hassett pushed hard pressing the Ballinahinch defence all the way. Focus now turns to an important Round 3 Senior Football Championship game vs Arravale Rovers next Sunday at 12noon in Clonoulty.
Team and scorers: Paul Maher, Joe O’Grady, Liam Butler, Eoin Gorman, Tomás Hassett, Thossie Hamill, Pierce Meade (Captain), Dee Fogarty (0-02), Tom Meade (0-02), Conor Bowe (1-02), Jason Bergin, Gearoid O’Connor (0-04 frees, 0-02), Martin Kelly (1-00), John Hassett and Donnacha Dunne.
Referee: PJ Nolan (Killea)
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