Easkey 2-17

Ballinasloe 2-15

By Eanna O’Reilly in Bekan

BALLINASLOE’S efforts to secure the Connacht junior hurling title came up short for the third consecutive year as Derek Frehill’s charges saw a gallant effort end in defeat on Saturday afternoon in Bekan. Once again, it was Sligo club Easkey who caused heartbreak for the east Galway outfit, coming out on top by two points after an entertaining contest.

The Galway junior 1 champions produced a performance full of effort and endeavour on the day, lacking nothing in terms of commitment. However, they were second best by a narrow margin in terms of overall quality to the title holders. Easkey claimed the junior provincial trophy for the fourth consecutive year and progress to the All-Ireland series once again.

Ballinasloe played with the aid of the elements in the opening half and made a positive start when Cathal O’Hanlon pointed a free from the halfway line after two minutes. Easkey opened their account with a score from Thomas Cawley, before Ballinasloe went back in front, courtesy of an impressive point from Cian Connolly.

The rangy Cawley soon had his second score for Easkey, before wing back Donal Hanley put the Sligo side ahead for the first time, with a well struck long range point. Two minutes later O’Hanlon tallied his second placed ball to make it 0-3 apiece.

The title holders then raised their game and registered three points on the spin. Scores from Andrew Kilcullen (free), Daniel Rolston and Oisín Moylan saw Easkey establish a 0-6 to 0-3 lead after a productive five minute spell. O’Hanlon and Kilcullen then exchanged frees at either end as the Sligo men maintained their three point advantage.

Ballinasloe then suffered another setback when Easkey struck for the first goal of the game. They had opportunities to clear the ball after a long delivery broke close to goal, before Kilcullen managed to gain possession and lay the sliotar off to Rolston, who finished low to the net.

Trailing by 1-7 to 0-4, Ballinasloe were in need of a lift. Frehill’s charges soon rallied impressively, tallying five points on the spin during an excellent eight minute spell. O’Hanlon (0-2, one free), Jason Cunningham, Evan Hayes, and Alan Caulfield all registered scores to get the challengers back into contention.

Pictured: Ballinasloe’s Evan Hayes comes under pressure from Rory McHugh of Easkey during the Connacht Club Junior Hurling Final in Bekan on Saturday. Photos: David Cunniffe.