Burke's stunner sees St. Thomas' take the spoils

Date Published: {J}

St. Thomas’ 1-14Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry 0-12

STEPHEN GLENNONAT KENNY PARK

AN exquisite goal from Galway midfielder David Burke midway through the second half proved to be the crucial score in securing St. Thomas’ their second win of the 2010 senior hurling championship in Athenry on Sunday.

Having suffered a surprise defeat to Tommie Larkins the week previous, it was always likely that there would be a kick in St. Thomas’ in their next outing. And this was it.

In many respects, this was a funny old game. St. Thomas’ were always in control, yet they struggled for long periods to break from the shackles of a spirited Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry side.

By the interval, the victors held a slender two-point lead, 0-7 to 0-5, but they had to be far from happy with their first half showing after hitting no less than 10 wides. In contrast, Tynagh were making more of their limited amount of opportunities, tallying those five points and spurning just three chances from their 30 minutes plus of fare.

The opening minutes were tight and tense, with Tynagh’s Brian Cunningham and Ronan Madden – a wonderful sideline cut – trading points with Burke (free) and the lively James Regan.

Indeed, Regan’s point was the kick-start on an unanswered four-point scoring spree as similar efforts from Bernard Burke and David Burke (free and ’65) nudged Thomas’ into a 0-5 to 0-2 18th minute lead.

Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry, though, will argue that they should have been on level terms by this time after Padraig Robinson – raiding in on goal – had the jersey almost pulled off his back, but referee Pat McGrath declined to award at the very least a free.

As it was, Padraig Brehony and Brian Cunningham (two frees) did find the target for Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry in the closing stages of the half, but St. Thomas’ maintained their hold on the lead with full-forward Kenneth Burke and David Burke – who earlier saw a 24th minute free saved on the line – posting timely ripostes.

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.