Controversial Hurney goal swings it for Moycullen

A CONTROVERSIAL 48th minute goal by Moycullen corner-forward Christopher Hurney turned the Connacht intermediate hurling final in the Galway champions’ favour in Athleague yesterday.

Hurney was quickest to react to Niall Mannion’s effort for a point that appeared to drop over the crossbar but was batted back into play by Four Roads goalkeeper David Dowd. The sides were level before Hurney’s goal swung the momentum back in Moycullen’s favour.

Hurney completed his hat-trick in injury time when he blasted emphatically to the net.

The result was harsh on Four Roads, who recovered from a four-points half-time deficit to lead by two in the 44th minute. Padraig Kelly, Michael Kelly and Tomas Lannon were central to the Roscommon recovery, but inspired by Mark Lydon, Niall Mannion and hat-trick hero Hurney, Moycullen finished the stronger.

Moycullen led-9 to 0-8 at the break, Hurney pouncing for his first goal on four minutes. Shane Curley’s free-taking kept Four Roads in touch but they were forced to concede ground after Hurney’s goal 12 minutes from time.

MOYCULLEN: M. Darcy; S. R. McDermott, M. Donoghue, B. Faherty; T. Higgins (0-1), M. Lydon, S. Ó Flatharta; E. Noone (0-5, 4f), P. Lydon (0-4); D. Kelly, V. Faherty, N. Mannion (0-1); C. Bohan, P. Lydon (0-2), C. Hurney (3-1).

Sub: M. Darcy for Mannion (60).

FOUR ROADS: D. Dowd; C. Dowd, M. McLoughlin, D. Fallon; C. Coyle (0-1), M. Kelly (0-1), T. Lennon; J. Moran (0-1), B. Donnelly (0-2); J. Lawlor, P. Kelly (0-2), E. Mulry; S. Curley (0-8, 8f), J. Coyne, E. Rogerson (0-1).

Sub: B. Kelly for P. Kelly (60).

Referee: T. Carroll (Offaly).