Murray points Burgess past Clonakenny

GAA: FBD Insurance County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Preliminary Quarter Finals

Burgess 2-17

Clonakenny 1-17

Report: Liam Hogan in FBD Semple Stadium

The value of a brilliant free-taker was never more in evidence as on last Sunday when Burgess defeated Clonakenny by three points in a moderate County Premier Intermediate Hurling championship preliminary quarter final.

From the time Stephen Murray scored his first free after 45 seconds, we kind knew that this was going to be his day as the Burgess marksman contributed fourteen points with nine coming from frees, 2 65s, and adding two side-line cuts for good measure. His marksmanship was the difference as Burgess know after what happed last year when they managed to survive relegation after he missed so much of the year due to injury.

Burgess really needed him, but they missed Tony Dunne also as the full forward is out of the game with injury. Apart from what Murray could do, there was the fantastic start by Burgess as Murray scored five points, including one from play, as part of a 1-6 to 0-2 lead inside twelve minutes. It was Eoin Grace who grabbed a goal from close range after a well-placed pass from Eoin Hogan out in the corner. The industrious Tadgh O’Halloran added a point and Burgess were seven in front and the margin put Clonakenny to the test.

However, the Mid champions answered the test, and they had a superb marksman in Cian O’Dwyer who scored thirteen points, including four points from play, in an all-round fine performance. With his promptings the Mid team cut the margin to the minimum (1-7 to 0-9) by the 26th minute after O’Dwyer caught a lengthy puckout from Stephen Russell.

Lengthy puckouts were rare as both Stephen Russell and Ronan Tucker chose to go short to a free defender who delivered long and sometimes the delivery didn’t go to the intended man.

Both defences were sound. Keith Nealon operated as sweeper with satisfaction for Burgess well assisted by Jack O’Flaherty and Johnny Mulqueen on the wings. Tadgh O’Halloran stood out at midfield while his immediate opponent John Joe Ryan, who scored a superb point to get Clonakenny of the ground caught the eye.

Behind him Diarmuid Ryan was good in his sweeper role while John Costigan and Cian Russell did fine. Of the two defences, the Clonakenny party were the busiest as Burgess forwards Eoin Hogan and Donagh Maher keeping them on their toes.

In the 28th minute, an unmarked Hogan looked a sure bet for a goal close to goal, but corner back Brian Mullally was brave which forced a 65 which Murray converted. A goal would have put Burgess five clear, but his side finished on a positive note because after Murray converted the 65, he added two more frees to see his team 1-11 to 0-9 in front at half time.

The second half began along the same lines with Cian O’Dwyer converting same before Murray replied with a brilliant side-line cut.

The game needed a goal, and it came in the 37th minute from Clonakenny’s Nicky Ryan after assistance from O’Dwyer.

But by the 40th minute, Burgess were still in front after Murray’s ninety metre free, his second monster, made it 1-14 to 1-11. They had switched Donagh Maher to midfield which gave Willie Ryan more freedom at half back and he came more into the game as a result.

Meanwhile, Clonakenny switched Diarmuid Ryan to the attack and a resurgent Bobby Bergin began to find his rhythm. However, the Mid champions suffered another setback when Burgess’ Eoin Grace grabbed his second goal in the 49th minute when a rebound after Stephen Russell produced a great save to deny Tadgh O’Halloran.

Burgess were five in front once more, but Clonakenny hit back with Cian O’Dwyer pointing a free, quickly followed by a Bobby Bergin score.

However, Burgess went five in front again after two Murray frees before another Clonakenny revival saw Nicky Ryan split the Burgess defence close to goal only to he hauled down. O’Dwyer did the needful and the same player added another free to leave three between the teams once more with time ticking away.

But Burgess were game, and they won a 65 close to the side-line which was no bother to Murray. At four clear, it should have been enough, but Bobby Bergin scored his third and with the seconds ticking away O’Dwyer won another free close in. As expected, he went low, but Ronan Tucker saved to see his side through to the quarter finals and a clash with Cashel.

Player of the Match: Stephen Murray (Burgess)

Burgess: Ronan Tucker (8); Pat Woods (7), Kieran Ryan (7), Paddy Hogan (7); Jack O’Flaherty (7), Keith Nealon (7), Johnny Mulqueen (7); Tadgh O’Halloran 0-2 (8), Danny Ryan (6); Michael Ryan (6), Donagh Maher (7), Stephen Kirwan (7); Eoin Grace (2-1, 7), Eoin Hogan (7), Stephen Murray (0-14, 9f, 2’65, 2 s-cuts) 8).

Subs: Willie Ryan (6) for P Hogan (40); Bill O’Flaherty (6) for D Ryan (48); Johnny Ryan (6) for B O’Flaherty (blood 60-61); Johnny Ryan for Kirwan (60+1).

Clonakenny: Stephen Russell (7); Brian Mullaly (7), John Costigan (7), Proinsias Matthews (6); Cian Russell (6), Willie Ryan (7), Diarmuid Ryan (7); Delacy Byrne (7), John Joe Ryan (0-1, 7); Michael John Carroll (6), Bobby Bergin (0-3, 7), Cian O’Dwyer (0-13, 9f) 8); Nicky Ryan (1-0, 7), Peadar Byrne (6), Matthew O’Sullivan (6).

Subs: Tom Carroll (6) for Matthews (38); Conor Shanahan (6) for P Byrne (38); Ger Byrne (NR) for Costigan (56).

Referee: Sean Lonergan (Moyle Rovers).