Thomastown 1-20; Glenmore 0-14.
John Power at Mullinavat GAA Grounds
Thomastown recorded their third successive victory in the St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League when they proved too strong for Glenmore in sunny Mullinavat on Saturday afternoon last. The Thomastown men produced a polished performance to run out seven-point winners, although the final margin did not fully reflect their superiority for long periods.
They controlled the game for most of the afternoon, particularly during the first half when they played with the assistance of a stiff breeze and built a platform for victory. From the opening exchanges it was clear that Thomastown were intent on making their advantage count. They opened up a 0-4 to 0-0 lead inside the first ten minutes, with Robbie Donnelly opening the scoring from a free before Stephen Donnelly, Robbie Donnelly from play and Peter McDonald added further points. The winners were moving the ball well and showed an impressive ability to find the target from distance. Their teamwork was particularly evident as they worked the ball through the lines, while their forwards were prepared to take on scores from difficult angles.
Glenmore finally opened their account in the tenth minute when Charlie Phelan pointed, but Thomastown responded quickly with John Donnelly finding the target. Tomas Mullally then added Glenmore’s second score, only for John Donnelly to reply again at the other end.
Jason Cody took over free-taking duties from Ian Byrne and duly converted a free in the 17th minute to leave Glenmore trailing by 0-6 to 0-3.
Thomastown, however, were working extremely hard throughout the field and continued to win the crucial battles. Their efforts were rewarded with three unanswered points from John Donnelly, Daithi Barron and Ben Nevin as they began to establish a firm grip on proceedings.
Glenmore were finding it difficult to build any sustained momentum in attack and their frustration was compounded by a number of disappointing wides from placed balls. Ian Byrne did manage to steady the ship with two points, including one from play, and by the 27th minute the Thomastown advantage had been reduced to four. The response from Thomastown was immediate. Robbie Donnelly and Daithi Barron added points before a disputed Luke Connellan score increased the lead to 0-12 to 0-5.
Glenmore were awarded a late opportunity and Ian Byrne converted a 65 in added time, leaving Thomastown six points in front at the interval, Thomastown 0-12, Glenmore 0-6.
If Glenmore had any thoughts of staging a second-half comeback, those hopes were dealt a major blow within a minute of the restart. Thomastown produced an excellent move, with Daithi Barron involved in the build-up before Jack Holden finished the attack to the net. The goal gave Thomastown an imposing 1-12 to 0-6 advantage and provided them with exactly the start they wanted to the second half.
Glenmore continued to battle and eventually got their first score of the second half in the 41st minute when substitute Cathal Beirne pointed. Robbie Donnelly responded for Thomastown a minute later and, as the game moved into its final quarter, the outcome was becoming increasingly clear.
By the 50th minute Thomastown were 1-17 to 0-7 ahead and, despite Glenmore’s efforts, the margin was simply too great to overcome. The closing stages lacked the intensity of the opening half as Thomastown managed their advantage with relative comfort.
The large crowd were able to enjoy the excellent summer conditions, with the destination of the two league points decided well before the final whistle. Thomastown had star performers throughout the field. Their full-back line was particularly impressive, while Eddie Donnelly was commanding at centre-back. Ben Nevin and Peter McDonald worked tirelessly around midfield and provided an excellent platform for the forward division. The Thomastown forwards also deserve credit for their commitment and willingness to work for one another. Their ability to score from distance was a feature of the performance, while their movement caused Glenmore problems throughout.
For Glenmore, Shane Murphy and Tomas Mullally were among their better performers on a difficult afternoon. The southern side remained competitive and continued to battle, but their forward line struggled to function effectively against a Thomastown defence that was well organised and determined.
The victory sees Thomastown maintain their unbeaten start and build further momentum as the league progresses. They will now turn their attention to a round four meeting with Graigue-Ballycallan, another fixture that promises to provide a stern test.
Glenmore, meanwhile, will be hoping for a quick response when they face Clara in their next outing. After a difficult afternoon in Mullinavat, they will know that a sharper attacking display will be required if they are to get their league campaign back on track.
For Thomastown, however, it was another afternoon of progress. Three wins from three has given them an excellent foundation and, on this evidence, they will be confident of continuing their challenge as the St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling League moves towards the business end of the campaign.
SCORERS
THOMASTOWN
Robbie Donnelly (0-8, 0-5 frees), Jack Holden (1-0), John Donnelly (0-3), Daithi Barron (0-3), Peter McDonald (0-2), Stephen Donnelly (0-1), Ben Nevin (0-1), Cian Doherty (0-1), Luke Connellan (0-1).
GLENMORE
Ian Byrne (0-6, 0-4 frees, 0-1 “65”), Jason Cody (0-2, 0-1 frees), Charlie Phelan, Tomas Mullally, Cathal Beirne, Ethan Phelan, Shane Murphy, Billy Reid (0-1 each).
TEAMS
THOMASTOWN
Diarmuld Galway, Ned Kirwan, Peter Connellan, David Prendergast, Brian Staunton, Eddie Donnelly, Rory Connellan, Ben Nevin, Peter McDonald, Robbie Donnelly, John Donnelly, Stephen Donnelly, Daithi Barron, Luke Connellan, Jack Holden. Substitutes: Cian Doherty for Jack Holden, Conor Barcoe for Ben Nevin, Roman Connolly for Luke Connellon,
GLENMORE
Eoin Murphy, Darragh Vereker, Eoin Aylward, Richie Hennessy, Jack Dollard, Shane Murphy, Billy Reid, Darragh Hartley, Tomás Mullally, Dean Croke, lan Byrne, Jason Cody, Charlie Phelan, Ciarán Kirwan, Robbie Fitzpatrick. Substitutes: Cathal Beirne for Dean Croke, Ethan Phelan for Robbie Fitzpatrick, Padraig Cody for Eoin Aylward.
Referee: Owen Kenny.
