Evan Niland leads Clarinbridge to victory over Craughwell in Galway SHC
Clarinbridge overcame neighbours Craughwell 1-22 to 2-17 to record a first round victory on Saturday evening in Athenry, in a contest which they controlled for the most part. Cathal Coen’s charges led by eight points midway through the second half, before a late Craughwell rally saw the margin reduced to two at full time.
The sides matched each other in the early stages of the first half, with six points shared equally. Craughwell had points from Iarlaith Leen, Jamie Ryan, and a well struck line ball from Tiernan Leen.
At the other end, Evan Niland tallied three points (two frees) for Clarinbridge in the opening five minutes. A Tiernan Leen score put Craughwell back ahead, before the ‘bridge struck for a goal through Dylan Dunne, after a pass from Cian Salmon.
Ciarán Leen pointed a free at the other end, but Clarinbridge replied with two in a row, from Evan Niland (’65) and Darragh Counihan. Ciarán Leen was Craughwell’s main scoring threat, and he sent over an effort from play before pointing a line ball from 35 yards.
However, Clarinbridge dominated the next five minutes, outscoring their opponents by 0-5 to 0-1. Dunne, David Lee, Evan Niland (free), Mikey Fallon, and Aaron Niland landed scores as they established a five point lead. Craughwell’s sole response during this spell was one converted free from Leen.
Ian Daniels’ side raised their game during the remainder of the first half, during which they outscored Clarinbridge by 0-3 to 0-2. Leen (two frees) and Ryan landed Craughwell’s points, while the Niland brothers kept the scoreboard ticking at the other end with one free apiece.
Clarinbridge took a four point lead into the half time break, and extended their lead shortly after the resumption, thanks to Evan Niland’s sixth placed ball of the evening. Aaron Niland and Leen then exchanged frees at either end, before Gavin Lee tallied an impressive individual score for the ‘bridge.
Leen and Evan Niland exchanged frees once again, before Conor Gilligan took a neat score for Craughwell to leave five points between the sides. However, Clarinbridge upped their game during the next five minutes, tallying three consecutive scores.
All three came from the stick of Evan Niland (one free, one ’65) who was giving an exhibition of accurate shooting. It left his side ahead by 1-19 to 0-14 midway through the second half.
Credit to Craughwell, they refused to fold and when Leen blasted a 21 yard free to the net it visibly energised them. Evan Niland replied with two quick points (one free), but Craughwell finished with four of the last five scores.
Tom Monaghan landed two points, while Leen converted a free from the right wing, as well as blasting another 21 yard effort to the net. Evan Niland added his eighth free of the afternoon at the other end, to ensure the ‘bridge remained in the driving seat.
The full time whistle saw two points separate the sides, and overall, the better team won on the day. Clarinbridge had impressive performances from Mikey Fallon, Christy Bannon, Dylan Dunne, Joshua Ryan, Gavin Lee, and the Niland brothers.
Craughwell were best served by Stephen O’Halloran, Mark Horan, Iarlaith Leen, Tom Monaghan, Jamie Ryan, and Ciarán Leen.
Clarinbridge: C. Callanan; M. Fallon (0-1), P. McCann, C. Bannon; D. Counihan (0-1), D. Dunne (1-1), TJ Brennan; L. Leen, J. Ryan; S. Ryan, G. Lee (0-1), E. Niland (0-14, 0-8 frees, 0-3 ‘65s); A. Niland (0-3, 0-2 frees), C. Salmon, D. Lee (0-1). Subs: C. Brennan for D. Counihan (33), C. Counihan for D. Lee (41), A. Monaghan for Salmon (54).
Craughwell: S. O’Halloran; K. Molloy, M. Horan, P. Monaghan; G. O’Halloran, A. Callanan, R. Howley; T. Monaghan (0-2), T. Leen (0-2, 0-1 side-line); C. Gilligan (0-1), I. Leen (0-1), O. Quirke; A. Prendergast, J. Ryan (0-2), C. Leen (2-9, 2-8 frees). Subs: D. McCartin for Quirke (41), L. Keane for Gilligan (48), D. Zimmerer for Ryan (58).
Referee: Seán Byrne.