Oranmore-Maree pull off epic comeback in replay

Loughrea 4-14

By DARREN KELLY AT DUGGAN PARK

A thrilling sequel to an epic encounter worthy of its classic predecessor 13 days earlier, Oranmore-Maree produced a sensational comeback in last Wednesday’s U-20 A hurling final replay to beat Loughrea with three injury time goals.

When Vince Morgan rattled the net for ‘The Town’ on 53 minutes, they were 3-13 to 0-16 clear. But Oranmore-Maree refused to give up as this current group bridged a 50-year wait for success.

Even though Ryan O’Donnell hadn’t yet scored over the two contests, the Galway dual star made his mark at the crucial time, snatching at a rebound 60 seconds later for his first goal. He finished with a hat-trick.

One also had to feel for Loughrea. A young squad who no doubt will return to this stage again, they done everything needed for over 110 mins, only to be outdone 5-3 to 1-1 in the final 13.

Anticipation was high on a calm evening in Ballinasloe as supporters flocked in their droves. And the intent was evident from the moment referee Kerril Wade blew his whistle.

Gavin Maher’s ball down the left resulted in Morgan splitting the posts for Loughrea inside 10 seconds. After a couple of early misses, Oranmore-Maree got back level when Cormac Quinlan’s delivery led to Matthew Furey opening his account.

Jack Shaughnessy knocked a sideline cut off the upright before Oranmore-Maree replied with two points by the seventh minute. Captain Rory Burke provided both, the first thanks to an Eanna Costello block, the other from outside his own 40 metre football arc.

But Loughrea were on par again within 60 seconds. Bobby Feeney fed Shane Greensmyth for one score from the left; Ethan Coleman punished an errant clearance to tally from 70 yards.

It could have been better for Paul Hoban’s charges as a Cullen Killeen dropping ball needed a second touch from keeper Harry Keady with Morgan lurking. Oranmore-Maree responded with Costello providing Furey with another point.

They added two more with O’Donnell being a nuisance inside. Jake Keady twisted and turned before splitting the posts, while Burke made it 0-6 to 0-3 on the quarter hour.

However, Loughrea stepped up with an excellent team goal started by Maher in the full back line. Lee Murphy supplied Oisin Sadowski who sent Alan Kelly on his way. The defender found Feeney while continuing his run to take the return pass and oblige with the first goal.

Pictured: Loughrea's Cullen Killeen is about to secure possession against Rory Burke of Oranmore-Maree during the County U-20 A hurling final replay at Duggan Park last Wednesday. Photos: Joe Keane.