TOOREEN 3-21

MEELICK-EYRECOURT 2-12

By OISÍN NOONE AT DR HYDE PARK

MEELICK-Eyrecourt’s first venture outside of Galway ended in disappointment as Mayo champions Tooreen set the standard from the outset in the Connacht Intermediate Hurling Final at Dr Hyde Park last Saturday.

The Aghamore-based club reclaimed their crown in convincing fashion, a year after Tynagh-Abbey/Duniry halted their ‘drive for five’. This latest triumph marks Tooreen’s sixth provincial title in eight final appearances since their breakthrough season in 2017.

Tooreen delivered a first-half tour de force, scoring 3-11 from eight separate scorers while registering just three wides. Liam Lavin was exceptional, recording 2-2 and winning Tooreen’s penalty, which Seán Kenny converted expertly. Although John Fleming and James Lyons responded with well-taken goals, Meelick-Eyrecourt still trailed by seven points at the interval.

The Galway side matched Tooreen during the third quarter, swapping point for point, but they couldn’t make any real inroads, the gap stubbornly holding at six or seven. Galway senior John Fleming hit their final score in the 47th minute, as Meelick-Eyrecourt faded and Tooreen pulled away.

Seven players of Tooreen’s line-up also started in Mayo’s Nicky Rackard Cup final loss to Roscommon in May, including defenders Oisín Greally, David Kenny, Conal Hession, and goalkeeper Bobby Douglas, who was outstanding. Kilndadeema-Leitrim native Ray Larkin, who manages both Tooreen and Mayo, also had Eoin Delaney, Liam Lavin, and Shane Bolland in his ranks that day, along with the currently injured Daniel Huane.

Niall Lynch’s charges struck first blood when Nathan Earner slotted his first of seven frees, though that would be Meelick-Eyrecourt’s only lead of the game. Mayo goalkeeper Bobby Douglas soon got on the scoresheet for the second game running, before his long delivery led to the opening goal after just three minutes.

Douglas was extremely comfortable on the ball, often daring to roam outside the small square as he helped build Tooreen attacks. His ability to reach the opposite 21-yard line caused Meelick-Eyrecourt major problems, and Lavin soon rattled home his first effort.

Eight minutes later, John Fleming netted for Meelick-Eyrecourt, brilliantly recovering possession after Michael Morley’s block and finishing on his second attempt. James Lyons, Earner, and Jarlath McEvoy, goalscorer in the county final, added points, yet Tooreen’s economical play remained difficult to live with.

Pictured: Meelick-Eyrecourt’s James Lyons gives chase to Tooreen defender Oisín Greally during Saturday’s Connacht Intermediate Hurling Final at Hyde Park. Photo: Joe Keane.