Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry men secure provincial title glory

Tooreen 1-14

By DARREN KELLY AT DR HYDE PARK

TYNAGH/Abbey-Duniry’s 2024 journey will extend to the All-Ireland series before Christmas as they were crowned Connacht intermediate hurling champions on Saturday, ending Tooreen’s unbeaten streak that extended all the way back to 2018.

That was the Mayo club’s last defeat on the provincial stage when they went down to Oranmore/Maree. Ray Larkin’s side had won five out of six titles beating Ballinderreen (2), Kinvara, Moycullen and Killimor.

And at half-time here, they looked in control as Eoin Delaney’s goal gave the Blue Devils a 1-10 to 0-9 interval lead.  Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry had been sloppy during the second quarter but tightened up afterwards to outscore their opponents by 0-10 to 0-4.

While Storm Bert laid its mark throughout Galway, Roscommon’s Dr. Hyde Park looked in good condition after coming through three pitch inspections. And supporters were treated to a quality game.

Shane Boland’s free got Tooreen off the mark but the Galway champions replied almost immediately with Niall Moloney pointing from play.

Mattie Kenny’s team added the next three points through a Shane Moloney ’65, Thomas Murphy and Ben Moran.  Johnny Conroy and Padraig Breheny were already putting in the work to create chances.

Momentum changed regularly during the first 30 minutes and Tooreen settled with the next four scores. Fergal Boland was influential and a major loss to injury when substituted at half-time. Kenny Feeney was afforded the freedom of. Dr. Hyde Park.

Feeney and Ciaran Finn reduced arrears to the minimum before Delaney’s strike out right levelled on 12 minutes.  And they weren’t wasting time as Bobby Douglas’ puck out two minutes later was plucked by Feeney who made it 0-5 to 0-4.

Due to a colour clash, the sides played in their respective county jerseys creating the unusual scenario of Galway and Mayo going head-to-head in the small ball game. Hooks and blocks were in abundance throughout the contest. Old school hurling to keep the purists happy.

Pictured: Shane Moloney of Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry eyes up his options against Tooreen's Shane Boland during the Connacht Intermediate Hurling Final at Hyde Park on Saturday. Photos: Joe Keane.