Tooreen       2-11 Ballyhaunis    1-10   Kenneth 'Bud' Robinson was the toast of Tooreen on home turf on Saturday evening last, as he recorded 1-1 late in stoppage time to help his side claim the Genfitt Senior Hurling League for the first time since 2002. This local derby never really got to life until the final minutes of the game, as the destination of Mayo's secondary club hurling title was held in the balance until Robinson's goal in the third minute of stoppage time.   Both sides went into this final with a number of key players sidelined for a plethora of reasons. For Ballyhaunis, goalkeeper Micheal Walsh, Keith & Pierse Higgins aswel as Niall Murphy didn't feature while for Tooreen, Paul Hunt, Stephen Coyne, and Adrian & Cathal Freeman were also in reserve, mostly due to county commitments.   The opening half of this tie won't remain in the memory bank for long, and will only be recalled for the instinctive reactions of Tooreen's John Crinegan who pounced for the opening goal in the 14th minute of the game, after Joey Ganley had put the home side two points up with a brace early on. Ballyhaunis' reply was almost immediate as Christy McCrudden was on hand to goal minutes later to bring the sides back to parity. Brian Hunt (free) for Ballyhaunis and Martin Devaney for Tooreen exchanged points midway through the opening half, while four pointed frees were shared between the sides in the closing minutes of the opening period to leave the tie level at 1-5 apiece on the turnaround.   The restart saw more urgency in Ballyhaunis' play and points from Paul McConn (2) and Derek McConn brought daylight back between the sides. However, a trio of long range points from Tooreen's Martin Devaney drew his side back into contention to set up a dramatic finish which kept the sizable gathering on their toe's til the end. When Christy McCrudden put his side a point up in the 59th minute, it looked as if the Genfitt crown would be staying in Ballyhaunis for another season, but Tooreen's Enda Kenny restored parity a minute later to the delight of the home crowd.   And when all present were expecting a replay to seperate the East Mayo rivals, Kenneth 'Bud' Robinson found himself in space before pointing from distance from out near the sideline - before the same player doubled home a goal from the next attack to give his side a four point win.   After the game John Hopkins (Mayo Hurling Chairman) presented the Genfitt Senior Hurling League Trophy to Stephen Leneghan - captain of the successful Tooreen side.   Tooreen: K Jordan; M Morley, S Leneghan, P Delaney; C English, M Cunnane, S Markham; S Morley, Alan Freeman; M Devaney (0-4,2f), E Kenny (0-1), J Ganley (0-4,3f); J Crinnegan (1-0), K Robinson (1-2), F Delaney. Sub: D Markham for F Delaney.   Ballyhaunis: B Waldron; D Walsh, P Healy, A Brennan; A Lyons, J Powers (0-1), M Regan; T Buckley, P Lynch; C McCrudden (1-1), D McConn (0-2,2f), P McConn (0-2); F Walsh, L Lyons, B Hunt (0-4,3f). Tweet

Most Read Stories