Magpies fall to Gun show
BALLYGUNNER survived a spirited challenge from beaten Cork finalists Midleton to win by two points in the quarter-final of the Munster club hurling Championship.
The champions of Waterford had to come from behind after trailing by four points at the interval. Pauric Mahony’s 12 points from placed balls and a goal from forward Conor Power on 48 minutes were crucial in helping the five-ina-row county title winners advance to the Munster semi-final.
Ballygunner looked comfortable leading 0-6 to 0-2 after just 12 minutes.
However, two first-half goals from Conor Lehane and Cormac Beausang rocked the Gunners and silenced the home crowd at Walsh Park.
Lehane’s goal levelled matters, 1-5 to 0-8, and was followed with points from the excellent Cormac Walsh and Patrick White.
Midleton had a second major in first-half injury time when Tommy O’Connell set up Beausang for a goal. The Magpies were good value for their 2-8 to 0-10 lead at the interval.
However, the game’s major turning point arrived in the 49th minute when Conor Power won possession along the end-line, turning his marker before shooting to the net from a difficult angle. The magnificent score gave Ballygunner a one-point lead, 1-14 to 2-10.
Midleton had late points from James Nagle and Beausang but the free-taking of Mahony was just enough to keep the scoreline ticking over for the home side to the final whistle.
Ballygunner will now meet Clare champions Ballyhea next Sunday, again at Walsh Park, in the semi-final. BALLYGUNNER: S O’Keeffe; E Hayden, B Coughlan, I Kenny; W Hutchinson (P Hogan ht), P Mahony, H Barnes; S O’Sullivan, M Mahony; B O’Keeffe, P Mahony, B O’Sullivan (JJ Hutchinson 44); T O’Sullivan, B O’Sullivan, C Power. Scorers: P Mahony 0-12 (11f, 1’65); C Power 1-1; T O’Sullivan 0-2; B O’Keeffe, P Hogan, J.J. Hutchinson 0-1 each. MIDLETON: T Wallace; E Moloney, S Smyth, F O’Mahoney; J Nagle, L Dineen (R O’Regan 55), S O’Leary-Hayes; P Haughey (A Ryan 61), S O’Farrell; C Walsh, L O’Farrell, C Beausang; T O’Connell, C Lehane, P White (G Manley 58). Scorers: C Lehane 1-4 (1-3f); C Beausang 1-2; C Walsh 0-3; J Nagle, L Dineen, L O’Farrell, P White 0-1 each. Referee: J Murphy (Limerick).