Intermediate hurlers regain control of their destiny

Post date: Sep 28, 2015 9:27:57 PM

Moycullen made a huge stride in wresting back control of their 2015 championship campaign with a crucial win over fellow contenders, Ahascragh Fohenagh. Still more to do as a Clarinbridge win against Killimor and any result for last weekend's opponents against Kinvara will mean Moycullen must get something from the Abbey game or lose out to Clarinbridge on head to head. More than two teams tied on the same points either for the last quarter final place or the top four positions may mean playoffs due to the two w/o given by Craughwell. For the moment we will savour the present as only "the Banner" can describe below.

Moycullen hurlers do it on the pitch! Supporters of Moycullen hurling were treated to a sporting spectacle at Kenny Park in Athenry this afternoon in a must win clash against in form Ahascragh Fohenagh. Pressure on but win in style is just what a determined Moycullen outfit achieved with some breathtaking scores to finish Moycullen 1-16 v Ahascragh Fohenagh 1-12.

Moycullen started brightly with 2 quick points that looked to be stretching to 3 only for Niall Mannion's sweetly struck free from left of midfield striking the upright. Ahascragh were quickest to react and working the ball down the field secured their first score. Within minutes it was even-stephen and for a period Ahascragh managed midfield. For Moycullen in this period placed ball to Seamus O'Conghaile was richly rewarded with fine points from play. Alterations on both sides to players and positions contributed to an emerging classic that blossomed with 2 goals in quick succession - the first from Moycullen. With an expertly win and quick delivery from Matt Donohue at full back to an exchange splitting series of passes that left Ahascragh defense flatfooted, it was joy suspended to watch Moycullen literally walk the ball into the net such was the creativity of the attack. The admiration was short lived as Ahascragh hit back with 1-1 to leave the half time score at Moycullen 1-5 Ahascragh 1-7. A light wind favoured Moycullen as they took up position for the second half and with a man-to-man marking approach it was Moycullen who emerged ahead in all positions throughout the field. Exhibition hurling with Eanna Noone clipping over 2 side line cuts from the right touchline but it was the neck on the line approach from Conor Bohan, Philip Lydon, Dan Kelly and Seamus that kept the scores coming. It will be readily acknowledged that the best Mannion on view today, despite a bone shattering crunch was our own Niall Mannion. As the second half progressed the Moycullen backs grew into the game with Kevin Donovan beating his man all the way up the touchline from wing back to pop the ball over the bar - some comeback. Mark Lydon in turn took control at centre back and had the support of Vincent Faherty who also showed great strength in taking ball in the air from Ahascragh deliveries. In the full back line Seosamh O'Fatharta, Mat and Sean Rossa Mc Dermott kept their hands firmly on the tiller to guide the good ship Moycullen to safer waters. Linking it all in the middle Pat Lydon controlled the orchestra that entertained the stands and had the supporters looking forward to the last match against Abbeyknockmoy - pure championship!