All Ireland Hurling Minor 'C' Blitz
July 27, 2015
General view of hurling.
The Louth minor hurlers put in a terrific performance to just miss out on qualifying for the All Ireland Minor 'C' Championship final in this blitz played out at the Tyrone Gaa Centre at Garvaghey on Saturday (July 25).
In their opening match against neighbours Monaghan two points from the impressive Ian Connor helped them to lead by 1-4 to 1-2 at the break. Further points, including efforts from John Stephenson, had the Wee County leading by five points.
A late Monaghan goal proved mere consolation as Louth held out for a 1-8 to 2-3 victory. Louth scorers - John Stephenson (0-4), Ian Connor (1-1), Liam Molloy, Ross Berkery, Evan McGrane (0-1 each).
Cavan proved no match for Louth in their second game as a Ciaran Walshe goal helped them to record a second victory on a final scoreline of 1-9 to 0-2. Louth scorers - Ciaran Walshe (1-0), Ciaran Deane, John Stephenson, Ross Berkery, Evan McGrane (0-2 each), Ian Connor (0-1).
These two impressive victories set Louth up for a winner take all clash against host Tyrone with the winners going through the All Ireland Minor 'C' Final.
Louth opened brightly to lead by 0-2 to 0-1 before Tyrone responded with three successive points.
A great pass from Ciaran Deane put Ian Connor through and he was taken down in the box for a penalty. John Stephenson coolly dispatched the penalty to the net to leave his side in front at half time by 1-3 to 0-4.
The home side made the better start to the second half scoring four points in a row to lead by two points. Louth regained the lead when an effort from Gordon Daly was misjudged by the Tyrone keeper as the sliotar rolled into the net.
The game was turned on its head by two Tyrone goals as they went six points clear with just three minutes of this exciting encounter remaining. Louth finished strongly with two late pointed frees from John Stephenson the latter which was deflected over the bar.
Unfortunately time ran out for Louth as it was Tyrone who held out for the victory on a 2-9 to 2-5 scoreline and with it a place in the Final which will be played at a later date. Louth scorers - John Stephenson (1-3), Gordon Daly (1-0), Ciaran Deane, Evan McGrane (0-1 each).
LOUTH PANEL: Shane Connolly, Niall Tiernan, K McLeer, Sean Gibney, Gordon Daly, Michael Ryan, Liam Ryan, Ciaran Deane, Cormac Hughes, John Stephenson, Ross Berkery, Liam Molloy, Ciaran Walshe, Ian Connor, Evan McGrane, Conor Higgins.
