McLoughlin is Kanturk’s hero

A SENSATIONAL performance from Lorcan McLoughlin inspired Coláiste Treasa, Kanturk to an extra time victory in the All-Ireland Vocational Schools SHC B semi-final at Cashel on Saturday.

Cork minor McLoughlin hit 2-10 over an enthralling 80 minutes which was decided by a late, late score from teammate David McAuliffe.

The tone was set from the throw-in when Bridgetown’s accomplished midfielder Mark Furlong pointed with his first touch They were level at two points apiece before McLoughlin scored his first goal in the 8th minute when blasting home a 20m free.

With both defences excelling — full back Stephen Cousins the main man for Bridgetown, and corner back Kevin Tarrant and centre back Brendan Weathers shining for Coláiste Treasa — it was coming down to a shooting duel between the marksmen, McLoughin and Furlong.

A great left-handed drive from wing forward Aaron Goff nudged Bridgetown into a 1-4 to 1-2 on the quarter hour and the Wexford lads maintained their two points advantage up to the interval after Coláiste Treasa squandered three great goal scoring chances.

With McLoughlin and Furlong tacking on the scores only a point separated the sides at the end of the third quarter. Then Kanturk supremo McLoughlin soloed through in the 49th minute for his second goal.

But Bridgetown refused to wilt and two late points from Furlong and wing forward Diarmuid O’Keeffe tied the game and they almost snatched victory but a last-ditch attempt from substitute Diarmuid Kelly went narrowly wide.

McLoughlin edged Coláiste Treasa in front with a point in the first minute of extra time but shortly afterwards Bridgetown substitute David Furlong had his side ahead with a goal from close range.

The introduction of Aidan Walsh, who was unable to start because of a groin strain, proved to be a tremendous boost for Coláiste Treasa who came back to narrowly lead by 2-14 to 2-13 after the first period of extra time, following a sublime side-line cut from man of the match McLoughlin.

McAuliffe finally sealed it for Coláiste Treasa with a superb point a minute from the end of a fabulous contest.

Scorers for Coláiste Treasa: L. McLoughlin 2-10 (1-5f; 0-1 from sideline cut); S. O’Reilly 0-3; K. Sheahan, A. Walsh and D. McAuliffe 0-1 each.

Scorers for Bridgetown: A. Goff 1-0; D. Furlong 1-0; M. Furlong 0-9 (0-3f: 0-2 from 65s); D. O’Keeffe 0-3; G. Jordan, P. Carr and T. White 0-1 each.

COLÁISTE TREASA: K. Roche; D. Curtin, S. O’Riordan, K. Tarrant; Damien McAuliffe. B. Weathers, S. O’Brien; W. Corkery, S. Kiely; S. Lenehan, L. McLoughlin, David McAuliffe; R. O’Connor, K. Sheahan, S. O’Reilly.

Subs: R. O’Connor for Lenehan; A. Walsh for Kiely; A. O’Halloran O’Connor.

BRDIDGETOWN VS: N. Casey; E. Cardiff, S. Cousins, B. Lacey; T. White, M. Maloney, S. Sinnott; M. Furlong, G. Jordan; D. O’Keeffe, D. Waters, A. Goff; S. Goff, P. Carr, L. Devereux.

Subs: D. Furlong for Lacey.

Referee: S. Roche (Tipperary).