Portumna survive stiff test in robust tie with Ardrahan

Ardrahan 1-14

IT is games like these that define character and All-Ireland club champions Portumna and rivals Ardrahan both demonstrated that this was something they had in spades in this keenly – and at times heated – senior hurling championship encounter in Loughrea on Sunday.

Portumna claimed the two ‘Group D’ points on offer – courtesy of late scores from midfielders Joe Canning (free) and Andy Smith (2) – but Ardrahan showed that last year’s competitive run to the quarter-finals was no flash in the pan as they came back from the dead to almost catch the holders at the finish.

The champions did what they do best when blitzing the opposition in the opening quarter – they led 1-7 to 0-3 after 17 minutes – and by the 37 minute they had extended this advantage to nine points, 1-12 to 0-6, following a plethora of scores from goalscorer Niall Hayes and Ronan O’Meara (2).

However, having reset the bones of their team at the break, and energised by the introduction of the lively Cian Walsh, Ardrahan clawed their way back to within a point by the 60th minute and, with time to be added on in lieu of stoppages for a mass brawl midway through the half, a result was still within sight.

It certainly revealed the spirit in this rejuvenated Ardrahan outfit that they did not fold at any stage but instead roused themselves to outscore Portumna by 1-7 to 0-2 between the 38th and 60th minutes.

Indeed, they possibly could have held the lead by this time had freetaker Maurice Callanan elected to go under with a 57th minute 20-metre free rather than settle for the point.

At any rate, the scene was set for a grandstand finish and it didn’t disappoint. Andy Smith – a brilliant score – traded with Callanan following some intelligent play from the Ardrahan men before Damien Hayes won a vital free for Canning to convert to put two between the sides.

Smith then ensured Portumna would not lose the contest when he hit another cracking point on the run four minutes into injury-time, but there was still time for Ardrahan to have one last go. Securing a free to the left of the Portumna goal, Ardrahan goalkeeper Ciaran Callanan was called upon to work some magic.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.