Gaeil Triucha 1-10, Craobh Rua (Camlough) 0-12.
Gaeil Triucha held out in a frenetic finish to clinch victory by the narrowest of margins in this absorbing and finely balanced Development Hurling League final that was played in excellent conditions in Gavin Duffy Park, Monaghan yesterday, Thursday the 2nd of June. The St. Mellon’s men were only headed twice in the entire contest and that in the opening 10 minutes and in the early minutes of the second-half but thereafter Gaeil Triucha held a slight edge to leave the Armagh side playing catch up. Gaeil Triucha led at half-time by 1-4 to 0-6, the goal by Conor McKenna in the 11th minute and he along with Conor Boyle and Ryan McKenna were always a threat up front for the Monaghan side. Craobh Rua also had the added handicap that they played the final five minutes of the first half and the entire second half with 14 players following the dismissal of centre back Sean Casey on a straight red card five minutes before the break. With 10 minutes of normal time remaining Gaeil Triucha opened a three points lead, the most that separated the sides at any stage, with Craobh Rua’s only response being two points from top scorer Joe O’Connor, one from a free, to leave the minimum between them at the finish.
Teams and Scorers: Gaeil Triucha Gary Treanor, Jarlath Treanor, Noel Flood, Darren Sherlock, Shane McClave, Brian Connolly, Pearse McKenna, Conor Boyle 0-5 (4f, ’65), Cathal McAnespie 0-1, Conor Treanor 0-1, Conor McKenna 1-2, Matthew Flood, Ryan McKenna )-1, Paul Kelly, Kieran McGuirk. Subs: Francis Sherry for D Sherlock, Darren Caulfield for K McGuirk.
Craobh Rua: Ryan Lundy, Damien Britton, Micheal Bradley, Declan Harris, Ryan Diamond, Sean Casey, Ronan Reavey, Donal Feely, Paddy O’Connor, Joe O’Connor 0-9 ()6f, ’65), Fiachra Bradley 0-2, Jay O’Hare, Conan Brannigan, Collie Creaney, Patrick Garvey. Subs: Caolan Rowantree for D Britton. Referee: Paul Boylan.
By Mary McEneaney Thu 2nd Jun
