Mullagh end long wait for senior hurling silverware

Ahascragh/Fohenagh 1-13

By DARREN KELLY  AT DUGGAN PARK

FOR the first time since 1932, Mullagh laid claim to senior championship silverware last Saturday as they held on for a one-point victory over Ahascragh/Fohenagh in the Senior B Hurling Final replay at Duggan Park.

The successful new competition provided the exciting conclusion expected as Ahascragh/Fohenagh chased down a deficit again to nearly take the spoils.

Mullagh led by 10 points at one stage, and only managed four second half scores. But they withheld determined opponents who pushed all their chips in again. However, after comebacks against Kilnadeema/Leitrim and Mullagh the first day, the roulette wheel didn’t fall on red and blue again.

This eagerly anticipated rematch ensured a massive crowd in Ballinasloe. And the decision was taken early to push the starting time back 15 minutes to allow supporters gain a main stand seat after the intermediate final beforehand.

Mullagh’s Conor Dolphin got them off the mark in the opening minute before Mark Kelly equalised 60 seconds later. Ahascragh/Fohenagh were trying to isolate one-on-one situations in attack. They did create those opportunities but found Mullagh full back Eddie Campion on form, winning breaking ball and having corner backs Niall Coen and Cathal Kennedy ready to assist.

At the other end, Mullagh followed their direct game plan that worked well in going eight points clear in the drawn match. Dolphin’s sideline cut out left put the green and white ahead on three minutes as they went on a nine score uninterrupted spell.  Even if some finger nails were bitten before the final whistle, it proved to be a match winning lead.

Dean Finnerty was the one change to their starting personnel and he began a productive afternoon with a point on five minutes. But Davy Glennon, an injury concern before the draw, had already won a free and tore into Ahascragh/Fohenagh.

Pictured: Larry Tully of Ahascragh-Fohenagh comes under pressure from Mullagh's Ronan Glennon, at Duggan Park.