Hurlers are left stunned in London
DEFEAT FOR PADRAIG MANNION’S MEN IN CHRISTY RING CUP OPENER:
Christy Ring Cup Round One London 0-26 Sligo 0-21
SLIGO hurlers will reflect on this game as a result that got away. The Allianz Hurling League 2B finalists were in London last Saturday, looking to get their Christy Ring Cup campaign off to a winning start. Backed by the wind in the first-half and having twice established a ninepoint lead, 0-12 to 0-3 and 0-14 to 0-5, things were looking especially good for Padraig Mannion’s charges.
But matters turned spectacularly against the visitors as they found their advantage eroded although they still merited an interval advantage of five points, 0-15 to 0-10.
They ended up losing by five points, 0-26 to 0-21, despite full-forward Andrew Kilcullen giving another exhibition of accuracy – this time his contribution was 0-10, following on from recent tallies of 1-10, 1-6 and 0-6 in his last three Allianz Hurling League appearances.
The alarm bells were ringing, however, and Sligo goalkeeper Jimmy Gordon’s stop of London talisman Ronan Crowley’s penalty – a fine save – should have been the catalyst for Sligo to push on.
But it was London who reeled off a series of points in the closing minutes of the first-half. London, who last played in this competition in 2019, having been unable to participant because of Covid-19 restrictions, were also glad that Sligo struck seven wides in the opening period.
The home side were transformed in the second-half as Ronan Crowley emerged as their main threat – he supplied a dozen points in all.
London edged in front inside the first 15 minutes of the second-half. Andrew Kilcullen’s scores brought Sligo level but London rediscovered their gallop in the final minutes.
Of course Sligo knew that London would be capable opponents, although winners by nine points when the sides met in February at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence – that Allianz Hurling League fixture turning once Ronan Crowley was redcarded after 23 minutes.
Sligo, for whom Gerard O’KellyLynch and Thomas Cawley were also on target with fine scores in England’s capital, can’t wallow following this loss – they welcome Derry to Markievicz Park this Sunday (2pm start). Sligo have already played Derry on two occasions this year, both clashes in the Allianz Hurling League, and both victories for the Ulster county. On the Saturday before last Sligo lost to Derry in the AHL Division 2B decider.
Sligo (v London): Jimmy Gordon, Niall Kilcullen, Mark Hanniffy, Kevin O’Kennedy, Gavin Connolly, Rory McHugh (0-1), Niall Feehily, Finnian Cawley, Fionn Connolly, Patrick Foley (0-1), Gerard O’Kelly-Lynch (0-4, 1f, 1 ‘65’), Conor Hanniffy (0-2), Joe McHugh, Andrew Kilcullen (0-10, 8f), Thomas Cawley (0-3) Subs used: Michael Munnelly, Ruairi Brennan, Kevin Gilmartin