Dublin 1-17 Westmeath 1-8
DUBLIN CONFIRMED THEIR place in the Electric Ireland Leinster Minor Hurling Championship final after accounting for Westmeath by 1-17 to 1-8 at Cusack Park, Mullingar this afternoon.
With just two points separating the sides at the break, a tight second half was anticipated, but the visitors assumed control in the second period to confirm a well-deserved nine-point success.
The visitors showed well initially with the breeze at their backs and after Gavin King had converted a close-in free in the second minute, the Dubs added to their lead through excellent solo scores by Conor Burke and Mark Maguire in the ensuing four minutes.
However, Dublin were fortunate to escape in the eighth minute, as Killian Doyle had to content himself with a point when through on goal after Niall Mitchell had out-fielded his opposite number.
Although Maguire and Matthew Oliver soon restored Dublin’s control, Mitchell’s power was proving troublesome and he turned sharply to fire low past Eoin Skelly from 10 yards.
That goal undermined the confidence of Dublin as they continued to enjoy healthy amounts of possession without troubling the umpires as they struck eight dispiriting wides in the opening half, and points from Ciaran Doyle and James Goonery trimming Westmeath’s deficit to just two points (0-9 to 1-4) by the interval.
A fracas as the players left the field at the break added to the tension in Mullingar, with Dublin extending their lead within 30 seconds of the restart after an instant impact from substitute Eoghan Dunne.
The hosts struggled hugely in terms of their cohesion in the third quarter and they fell further behind as Donal Burke added three points before the contest was effectively settled on 45 minutes.
There appeared little trouble as Conor Burke’s innocuous delivery landed inside the home goalmouth, but after Conroy had spurned an open goal, Donal Burke prodded home from close range.
It proved far too comfortable for Dublin from that point, with the 53rd-minute dismissal of Paddy Doody, after a reckless challenge on Conor Ryan, completing a disappointing afternoon for Westmeath.
Scorers for Dublin: D Burke 1-5 (0-4f), M Oliver (0-3f), M Maguire 0-3 each, C Burke, G King (0-1f), E Conroy, E Dunne, A Mellett, C Ryan 0-1 each.
Scorers for Westmeath: N Mitchell 1-1 (0-f), C Doyle 0-4(0-4f), K Doyle 0-2, J Goonery 0-1.
Dublin: Eoin Skelly (Na Fianna); Cian Hendricken (Naomh Mearnóg), Ciaran Brady (Faughs), Conor Ryan (Craobh Chiaráin); Eoin Foley (Naomh Olaf), Paddy Smyth (Clontarf), Sean Hickey (Fingallians); Matthew Oliver (Na Fianna), Fergal Whitely (Kilmacud Crokes); Eoghan Conroy (St Maur’s), Mark Maguire (St Jude’s), Donal Burke (Na Fianna); Alex Considine (Kilmacud Crokes), Conor Burke (St Vincent’s), Gavin King (Na Fianna). Subs: Eoghan Dunne (St Brigid’s) for King (half-time), C Sammon (Craobh Chiaráin) for Oliver (39), Darragh Butler (Kilmacud Crokes) for Hickey (41), Aidan Mellett (Ballyboden St Enda’s) for C Burke (50), Ciaran Dowling (Lucan Sarsfields) for Maguire (54).
Westmeath: Aaron McHugh (Raharney); Darragh Qamar (Lough Lene Gaels), Kevin Regan (Cullion), Sean Lancaster (Castlepollard); James Bermingham (Castletown Geo), Peadar Scally (Clonkill), Darragh Egerton (Clonkill); Joe Rabbitte (Castlepollard), Jack O’Brien (Clonkill); Killian Doyle (Raharney), Ciaran Doyle (Raharney), Niall Mitchell (Clonkill); James Goonery (Raharney), John McCarthy (Castlepollard), Paddy Doody (Castletown Geo). Subs: Conor Kane (Castletown Gaels) for McCarthy (49), Fionn Dowd (Southern Gales) for Rabbitte (58).
Referee: Michael O’Sullivan (Kilkenny)
Was a very tough break as he was definitely well able to make birdie at the last for the play off but wasn’t really stolen from him to be fair. Straka played sensational golf when it counted from 14
@Anthony Ryan: Lowrys 3rd shot just wasn’t good enough when Strakas 2nd was. Lowry was amazing all day but Straka deserved it for me.
@Gary O’Rourke: don’t know if you have ever tried taking a golf shot during a Florida down pour but I am going to guess you haven’t . Lowry rushed but unlucky timing without a doubt . Straka got a drive away that Lowry didn’t have a chance to as the down pour had started in between their tee shots . Straka was brilliant and deserved it but luck also played a part no doubt about it .
Unfortunately had a poor tee shot on 18, otherwise flawless. Love Lowry, a class act. Superb weekend’s play.
Who doesn’t love this man, I could only imagine the scenes if he wins at Augusta
@Cranesofdublin: I don’t. I used to but not anymore.
@Paul Kelleher: Why is that Paul ?
If this was McIlroy, there’d be lads on here saying he’s a choker.
@Eoin McCarthy: hardly the same situation. Lowry didn’t have one bogey while in the lead group in the final round on a tough course
With an $872,000 prize for second I think he’ll be okay.
@feargal de cantuin: they are professionals and winning is everything ! Ok, the money helps lessen the burden.
You can see he left the rain get to him emotionally even before tee shot” as in why me” it’s something he has to work on because it holds him back ,look it was a bad break but that’s golf
@Jem Mehmet: He could do with someone like you on board. He might make it in golf one day. Here’s hoping.
Used to be a huge fan of Lowrys but I just cant warm to him anymore. His comments re the Saudi golf situation just did it for me. Was watching him last night but not really rooting for him. I wanted to but I just couldn’t. Cant help but feel he got a little bit of Karma with the downpour. For him to say the tournament was ‘stolen’ from him was ridiculous. Straka scored -3 over the last 5 holes while Lowry stayed even par. The back 9 on Sunday is when it really counts and he didn’t perform well enough. Straka had 4 shots in the rain while Lowry had 5 and he moans about it. After missing out on the win I dont know how he is going to put food on the table. I suppose there is alwsys SA! Seamus, Rory and Murphy to name a few are the ones I’m shouting for from now on.
Unlucky Shane…keep at it, doing us proud.
the article isn’t correct. Lowry wasn’t forced to lay up because of the rain, he was forced to layup because he hit a terrible drive pulling it way left into heavy rough. Strake played the back 9 brilliantly and was deserved winner.
But sure Lowry will have his appearance fee from the Saudi International to put food on the table so he’ll be fine.