Depleted Loughmore take Drom all the way

GAA: FBD Insurance County Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Final

Drom & Inch 0-21

Loughmore-Castleiney 0-18

Report: Michael Dundon at FBD Semple Stadium

A late surge by Loughmore-Castleiney to defend their County Senior Hurling title was repelled by Drom & Inch in a thrilling finish to an otherwise disappointing quarter-final on Saturday.

However precarious the finish, the win was no more than Drom & Inch deserved. They made all the running and were never led, and while some glaring lapses by Loughmore when points were available helped Drom, the challengers showed far more title-winning potential than the holders and go forward with confidence boosted by such a huge scalp.

Loughmore/Castleiney also suffered an enormous setback when John Meagher had to retire with a hamstring injury after just thirteen minutes. Having already lost the services of John McGrath, Ed Connolly and Ciaran Connolly to injury, the forced withdrawal of a player of Meagher’s calibre was crippling but, to their credit, Loughmore battled to the last and bowed out with colours flying.

Meagher’s loss was immense, but it was the chances they spurned that will really frustrate Loughmore in the wake of this defeat. Both from play and frees they erred, chances which if taken, might well have brought them success.

That said Drom & Inch were the better team and from an early stage in the second half, looked on course for the semi-finals. They were positive and aggressive in their approach, showed greater potential in attack, but just could not shake off the persistent challenge of a Loughmore side who just will not accept defeat.

Expectations were high at the start but after a lively opening five minutes which saw Drom ahead 0-4 to 0-2, an otherwise scrappy first half saw Drom ahead 0-8 to 0-7 at the interval. David Collins was causing Loughmore problems and Johnny Ryan and Tommy Nolan each had a brace of points.

Drom were 0-6 to 0-3 ahead at the start of the second quarter, but Loughmore, reacting well to John Meagher’s departure, finished the half strongly, points from Noel, Aidan, Liam, & Conor McGrath bringing them level after 30 minutes, but Tommy Nolan’s third point of the half gave Drom a 0-8 to 0-7 advantage at half-time.

Drom upped the intensity on resuming. Two Seamus Callanan frees, and further points from David Collins and Robbie Long saw them go four clear – Noel McGrath pointing a Loughmore free. As the half unfolded, McGrath’s free taking was keeping Loughmore in touch as Drom, enjoying more of the play, sought to pull clear.

A brace of Podge Campion points in the 52nd & 53rd minutes, put them 0-17 to 0-12 ahead and seemingly on the way but Noel McGrath (2), Cian Hennessy and Ciaran McCormack points had Loughmore hanging on as the hour mark was passed with Drom 0-19 to 0-17 in front.

Loughmore’s resilience is legendary and was again evident. Seamus Callanan pointed a free for Drom in the 64th minute but the Loughmore charge gained momentum. Lorcan Egan surged forward and appeared to be fouled but a 65 resulted which was defended. Then Conor McGrath was fouled in the 67th minute, inside the 20-metre mark but to the right of goal. Noel McGrath had no option. He fired in a rasper from the free - Drom scrambled it out for a 65 but referee Fergal Horgan blew time before it could be taken, and Loughmore’s reign as champions was over.

Hugely relieved and delighted, Drom & Inch players, management and supporters relished this success but know full well there are equally challenging hurdles to be surmounted before there can be celebrations. This win though should do wonders for their self-belief. They have beaten worthy champions so now the sky is the limit.

Right through this campaign their defence has been immense and again in this encounter Podge Campion led by example with three great points from play. David Collins, with four points from play, was also an inspiring figure. Fintan Purcell, Michael Campion, John Campion, and Tommy Nolan were others to shine while Seamus Callanan’s free-taking was vital to the win too.

Loughmore-Castleiney can be proud of their effort. They gave it everything and while the quality of their performance dipped on this occasion, no one could fault their commitment. Too many key men were absent for this campaign to succeed despite the excellence of Noel McGrath, Brian McGrath, Lorcan Egan, Ciaran McCormack and Conor McGrath.

Player of the Match: Podge Campion (Drom & Inch)

Drom & Inch: Eoin Collins (6); Maidhc Fitzpatrick (6), Michael Campion (6), Kevin Hassett (6); Fintan Purcell (0-1, 7), Podge Campion (0-3, 9), Kevin Hassett (6); John Campion (7), Robbie Long (0-1, 6); Lorcan Campion (6), Jamie Moloney (0-1, 6), Seamus Callanan (0-6, 5f) 6); Johnny Ryan (0-2, 6), David Collins (0-4, 8), Tommy Nolan (0-2, 7).

Subs: Mikey Connors (0-1, 6) for J Moloney (HT); Emmet Moloney (6) for Fitzpatrick (37); Tony Cahill (6) for J Ryan (50); David Butler (6) for Long (55).

Loughmore/Castleiney: Micheal McGrath (6); Lorcan Egan (7), Joey Hennessy (6), Willie Eviston (6); John Ryan (6), John Meagher (6), Brian McGrath (7); Tommy Maher (6), Tomas McGrath (6); Ciaran McCormack (0-2, 7), Liam McGrath (0-2, 1f) 7), Noel McGrath (0-9, 8f) 8); Ciaran McGrath (6), Aidan McGrath (0-2, 6), Conor McGrath (0-2, 6).

Subs: Darragh McCahey (6) for Meagher (13 inj); Cian Hennessy (0-1, 6) for Ciaran McGrath (40); Ed Meagher (6) for A McGrath (50); Paul McCahey (6) for Ryan (54).

Referee: Fergal Horgan (Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams).