Loughmore Castleiney experience decisive against youthful Holycross Ballycahill

FBD Insurance County Senior Hurling Championship - Group 3 - Round 2

Loughmore Castleiney 0-21

Holycross Ballycahill 0-14

By Michael Dundon

Loughmore Castleiney were emphatic winners over an under-performing Holycross Ballycahill in the FBD Insurance group 3, round 2 county senior hurling championship at The Ragg on Sunday and not flattered by the seven points-winning margin which sees them unbeaten and topping the group going into the final round.

Much was expected from this tie but it failed to live up to expectations as Holycross Ballycahill came nowhere near reaching the level of performance shown in their win over Nenagh Eire Og in the first round. 

Their young side did not have the experience to deal with the efficiency and effectiveness of the Loughmore machine which is steadily building up to title-winning pitch and re-affirming its championship credentials.

Perhaps Holycross expectations were too high after the Nenagh game but they never reached the same intensity in their approach and when you factor in Loughmore’s seventeen wides with their 21 scores, it gives a more accurate reflection of their dominance.

One felt Holycross needed to start well to clear this hurdle and initially they did so, sharing six points after six minutes and then going ahead with further points from Tadhg Gould and Darragh Woods. In the 12th minute, Darragh Woods had the ball in the Loughmore net but the whistle had blown earlier. What a goal then would have done for Holycross is anybody’s guess. 

Instead, Loughmore outscored them five to one over the next seven minutes for a 0-9 to 0-6 lead. Questions were being asked of Holycross for which they did not have answers despite the fine work of youngsters Robbie Ryan and Tadhg Gould. Cathal Barrett was now operating at full forward for the abbeysiders but getting little change and was not helped by poor service.

Noel McGrath was dictating play from a deep defensive role and with Ciaran Connolly quickly recapturing the great form of a few seasons back, they reached halfway with a 0-11 to 0-7 lead, and looking very comfortable in a contest that basically between a seasoned team and relative novices.

Still, ten minutes into the second half, Holycross had narrowed the gap to two points but over the next eight minutes, Loughmore surged clear with four unanswered points for a 0-17 to 0-11 lead at the three-quarter stage. 

It was an advantage never seriously challenged though Tadhg Gould did have a goal chance after 53 minutes with five points the difference. Again, a goal then might have ignited a Holycross rally but it was Loughmore who finished the stronger, as they have done in all their games this year, for a comfortable seven-point win.

If Loughmore-Castleiney can maintain their current momentum they will be the team to beat this year. Noel McGrath controls play for them, operating very often at the heart of their own defence, but his capacity to pick out a precise pass and deliver accurately, always a feature of his game, gives his side a vital edge. 

Despite the absence of Joey Hennessy and Liam Treacy, both injured, they now have strength in their back-up which will be vital for them as they compete on both hurling and football fronts.

Brian McGrath was a powerful figure at the heart of their defence with Ciaran Connolly, Ed Meagher, Eoin O Connell, John Ryan, and John McGrath all contributing their share to this win.

Holycross-Ballycahill disappointment was understandable and they will have difficulty finding positives from this performance. Jimmie Lahart and Ben Hennessy were absent due to injury. However, youngsters like Robbie Ryan, James Cahill, and Tadhg Gould continue to show promise and Joe Caesar, tasked with the difficult job of containing John McGrath could also be happy with his day’s work. 

Evan Morris and Jimmy Ryan also did their bit but a lot more will be required if Holycross are to qualify for the knock-out stages with Lorrha next in their sights. A win over a Lorrha side as yet to pick up points, would virtually guarantee Holycross a place in the quarter-finals, with Nenagh Eire Og needing to account for Loughmore-Castleiney to stay in contention.

Loughmore Castleiney: Aidan McGrath; Ed Meagher, Eoin O’Connell, Willie Eviston; John Ryan (0-2), Brian McGrath (0-1) Tommy Maher; Tomas McGrath (0-1) Noel McGrath (0-2, 0-1f); Ed Connolly (0-1), Ciaran Connolly (0-3), Ciaran McCormack (0-1); Ciaran McGrath (0-1), John McGrath (0-8, 0-7f), Liam McGrath (0-1).

Subs used: Dara McCahey for McCormack (40); Lorcan Egan for E Connolly (52); Philip O’Connell for L McGrath (55); Joey Quinn for C McGrath (56).

Holycross Ballycahill: Ewan Bourke; Joe Caesar, Eoin Morris, Jimmy Ryan,(H); Jim Ryan, Bryan O’Mara, Jack Ryan; Liam Doyle, Eoin Craddock; Tadhg Gould (0-1), Cathal Barrett (0-1), James Doyle (0-2); Robbie Ryan (0-4), David Fogarty, Darragh Woods (0-5f). 

Subs used: Jack Dwan for Fogarty (50); Padraic Russell for Barrett (53); Conor Ryan for Craddock (54).

Referee: Sean Lonergan (Moyle Rovers)