Locals spring a surprise to reach final

EOGHAN Rua were strong favourites to win this competition going into the game and possibly expected to book a place in the final but it was Sean Treacys who came out on top.

The first half was a well matched contest with both teams competing hard all over the field. Points came from Treacy’s men Paddy Devine, Raymond Daly and Tam Mc Kavanagh. Ciaran Mulholland was also in particularly good form with his free taking. The score of the game came from a quick interchange of passes from Reece and Danny Magee and was finished off superbly by Paddy Devine. Ordhan Mc Cann performed well at inside forward and his work rate saw him win plenty of breaking ball allowing him to easily set up his fellow forwards. However the Treacy’s defence was compromised late in the first half with a well worked goal to leave them down at half time.

Assisted by a slight breeze in the second half the Treacy’s men out-worked their opponents by securing a lot of breaking ball in the middle of the field. Exceptional play was exhibited by Reece Magee, Brendan Coleman and Paddy Devine. Eoghan Rua continued to put tremendous pressure on the Treacy’s defence but the six Treacy’s backs held firm to keep a clean sheet in the second half. Captain Anthony Carville at full back was the standout defender on the day; his work rate and leadership kept the Eoghan Rua forwards at bay.

The sucker punch for Eoghan Rua came in the second half when a well worked move resulted in Decky Cusack securing acres of space with just the keeper to beat and he rattled the net with a well hit and very well placed shot. This put the Treacy’s three points up with only four minutes to go. The Lurgan men refused to become complacent. Further points from Paddy Devine and Ciaran Mulholland put Eoghan Rua’s chances of making the league final to bed.

Overall this was a well fought out win and has resulted in Sean Treacy’s progressing to an Ulster League final. The Lurgan team has been well drilled and particularly well prepared. Credit goes to the players for their commitment and particularly to the hard work of their manager Declan Maher, an Offaly man who is now beginning to see the team play to his unique hurling philosophy.

Sean Treacy’s will now meet the Fechins in the league final.