Hurling: Leinster Kehoe Cup Round 1
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January 22, 2007
Mayo Hurlers Get First Win
Mayo 1-8
Carlow IT 0-7
The Mayo Senior Hurlers got their first win of the season with this hard grafted performance against Carlow Institute of Technology at the Carlow college grounds on Sunday last. After the long journey to the South East, Martin Brennans charges put in a spirited second half performance to book a place in the quarter-finals of the Leinster Kehoe Cup against Meath on Sunday next.
Mayo went into this game with an experimental outfit with Derek Walsh, Paul Hunt, Keith Higgins and Rory Campion all missing from the Mayo teamsheet. This gave starting chances to John Duffy, Brian Delaney, Kevin Healy and Martin Devaney, who all hurled well throughout the contest. Playing with the aid of a strong gale in the opening half, Mayo got off to the perfect start when newcomer Martin Devaney was on hand for Mayo to strike low under Carlow custodian Padraig Kinsella, while at the other end of the field, Carlow got off the mark with points from James Fallon and Niall Coone. Further Mayo points throughout the half followed with the Healy brothers, Kevin and Anthony both getting in on the scoring act. In the 26th minute Tooreens Adrian Freeman was on hand to convert a free which he won himself, while Derek McConn finished the half strongly for Mayo, with a point from close range when a goal seemed on. The students however kept in touch throughout this opening half, with Kilkenny natives Shane Devereaux and Donncha Moran both scoring points to leave the half-time score at 1-6 to 0-5 in favour of the Westerners.
Facing into the teeth of the wind for the second half, Mayos four point lead looked vulnerable and it was felt that the more stylish students would open their scoring floodgates and finish off the game. However this didnt materialise as Mayo stuck to their task of hustling and harrying their opponents throughout. Mayos Stephen Hunt played a third midfielder holding role, which resulted in a great deal of protection to the Mayo half back line of Stephen Coyne, Paddy Barrett and Ger Whyte, who all showed their hurling qualities in the second half. Mayo opened their second half account in the 31st minute, when the hardworking Martin Devaney pointed from an acute angle. Meanwhile, Carlow were making little use of the gale force wind, and had to settle for some long distance shooting - much of which was wayward.
It wasnt until the 44th minute of the game that Carlow opened their second half account - a point on the run from Lee Doherty. Frustration mounted on the wayward shooting Carlow side, as the Mayo full back line of Shane Morley, John Duffy and veteran Brian Delaney soaked up the Carlow pressure with ease. The Barrowsiders only registered two points in the whole of the second half, the second of which came in the 50th minute from Dermot Brennan - after a poor Tom Duffy puck-out. Mayo played out the half at their ease, and were showing improvements in their play as the game progressed. Adrian Freeman finished off the scoring for Mayo when he converted his third free of the day to put Mayo through.
Mayo had many good performances in this game, but special mention must go to the Healy brothers of Ballina, who grafted hard for their side throughout and also to Martin Devaney who showed some quality touches before retiring injured. Mayo now go forward to face Meath next Sunday, and the extra competitive games will give Martin Brennan and his charges much needed match practice ahead of their National hurling League opener against Kildare on the 18th of February
Mayo: Tom Duffy (Ballina); Shane Morley (Tooreen), John Duffy (Ballina), Brian Delaney(Tooreen); Stephen Coyne (Tooreen), Paddy Barrett (Belmullet), Ger Whyte (Castlebar); Derek McConn (0-1) (Ballyhaunis) , Stephen Broderick (Westport); Anthony Healy (0-1) (Ballina), Martin Devaney (1-1) (Tooreen), Kevin Healy (0-2) (Ballina); Stephen Hunt (Tooreen), Paul Broderick (Westport), Adrian Freeman (0-3,3f) (Tooreen). Subs: Brian Higgins (Westport), Michael Cunnane (Tooreen) & Justin Freyne (Tooreen).
Pic1: Martin Devaney (Tooreen) who registered 1-1 for the Mayo Hurlers against Carlow IT
