Tommy Larkins shade verdict in high scoring affair

TOMMY Larkins outgunned Clarinbridge in a free scoring, enjoyable contest on Sunday evening to claim the last place in the Galway senior hurling championship quarter finals. A clash with Craughwell awaits the victors, who had Kevin McHugo and Eamonn Hayes to thank for points deep into stoppage time which saw them cling on for victory.

The scoreboard clock in Kenny Park, Athenry stops when the regulation time has elapsed, but Tommy Larkins, despite holding a four point lead at that stage, were far from home and hosed as referee Christy Browne played a little over 11 minutes of stoppage time, thanks to a trio of second half injuries, most significantly to Clarinbridge’s Eoin Forde.

Forde’s unfortunate injury came at a critical time midway through the half with only a point between the sides. He required a stretcher to be removed with what looked to be a nasty looking ankle injury, and after a lengthy stoppage Clarinbridge struggled to get back to the pace of the game, allowing Tommy Larkins to build up a four point lead.

Clarinbridge were not yet finished, though, and knowing a draw would not suffice, strung together three points on the trot to give them a fighting chance with five minutes of injury time played. Cathal Coen, however, missed a chance to draw level from a ’65, and Kevin McHugo grabbed his fourth point soonafter, followed by a Hayes free, to seal victory for Michael Rourke’s side.

Both sides had been out of action since mid-July, when Clarinbridge were beaten by Gort and Tommy Larkins defeated Kilnadeema-Leitrim, by enough to mean that a draw would see them through on scoring difference. This result appeared a real possibility after a first half in which Tommy Larkins threatened to pull clear before Clarinbridge ended on a high to leave a point between them.

Full report in this week's Connacht Tribune.