Fleming’s early strike puts Meelick/Eyrecourt on right road
Meelick/Eyrecourt 1-15
Kilconieron 0-16
Tomás Keating at Duggan Park
NIALL Fleming’s goal straight from throw-in turned out to be the pivotal score for Meelick/Eyrecourt as they were crowned U21 A1 county hurling champions at Duggan Park on Saturday afternoon.
But midway through the first half, it was looking like Meelick/Eyrecourt were going to rue their wastefulness. Following Fleming’s goal after 20 seconds, his brother John pointed from the restart to put Michael Larkin’s men 1-1 to 0-0 up after a minute. However, Meelick/Eyrecourt looked to have lost their way as they then hit a staggering eight wides in the space of 15 minutes.
While their opponents were misfiring, Kilconieron took full advantage as Seán Connaughton (three) and Ultan McGlynn both hit frees to level things up, 0-4 to 1-1 after 17 minutes. It was always going to be an uphill battle for Martin Ryan’s side as they were missing 2019 Galway minor captain Ian McGlynn through injury. Nevertheless, they took the lead through scores from Eamon Hickey and Connaughton after 23 minutes.
However, Meelick/Eyrecourt managed to steady the ship with scores from Niall Fleming, Tiernan Gohery and two McDermott frees gave them a 1-6 to 0-8 lead at the break; an advantage which they wouldn’t relinquish. They managed to hold onto that lead in large thanks to McDermott, who got some crucial scores when they were needed most.
McDermott and Connaughton engaged in a good old fashioned duel, with the former striking 0-11 and the latter registering 0-10. It was cruel to see Connaughton end up on the losing side as he was very impressive on the day.
This final spilled over from last season and as previously mentioned, it was only 20 seconds old, and Meelick/Eyrecourt had found the net. It was reminiscent of Shane Dowling’s goal against Kilkenny in the All-Ireland quarter-final last summer, Fleming opted to strike the ball over his head beyond ‘keeper Edward Kelly. His brother, John pointed right after to put them 1-1 to 0-0 up after a minute.
For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.
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