Loughrea 4-25

Killimordaly 3-8

By DARREN KELLY AT DUGGAN PARK

THE early form guide may point towards the Tom Callanan Cup residing along the River Clarin, up the N67 to Oranmore-Maree or back near the old regular haunt in St. Thomas’ come November. However, the current holders provided a gentle reminder that they are still the team to beat on Sunday.

Loughrea put the sword to Killimordaly in a game wrapped up by half-time, even if some careless efforts among their 17 wides will be noted ahead of the top-of-the-table clash with Craughwell in the final round.

Manager Tommy Kelly will be happy with the way they started and how they reacted to conceding a seventh minute penalty. Loughrea just got over the line by four points against Kilconieron the first day; their second win was never in doubt.

Killimordaly are carrying multiple injuries with Jack Fitzpatrick the standout absentee. Brian Concannon was back after not starting the first day but the Division 2 league champions should still have been able provide a stiffer test.

They got frustrated when a couple of decisions went against them. But last year’s preliminary quarter-finalists let this contest slip away before showcasing their potential around the three quarter mark.

Manager Dermot Earls will know they created chances, striking 11 wides. And they produced three goals against the current title holders. But a failure to hit the 10 point mark will be a serious concern before themselves and Kilconieron put it all on the line in Round 3.

Despite being regulars around the knockout stages, this was the teams’ first senior club championship clash since a draw in 2014. An unchanged Loughrea from Round 1 made some positional moves and Jamie Ryan relished being on the left wing with the opening score after just 30 seconds.

And ‘The Town’ stated their intentions in the third minute with the first goal. Kieran Hanrahan assumed the leaders tag in defence. He made use of every delivery, the first resulting in Vince Morgan rattling the net.

Shane Morgan at centre back was another controlling his zone while he also landed four long range frees. The first was followed by him supplying Martin McManus with another before Killimordaly finally threatened. Adam Brett and Darren Daly sent the ball into Luke Lynskey.

Pictured: Loughrea’s Martin McManus on the charge against Killimordaly’s Paul Concannon and Darren Daly of Killimordaly during Sunday’s Senior A group encounter at Duggan Park. Photo: David Cunniffe.