Browne hails hero Touhy on the double

“BRILLIANT, absolutely,” that was the summation of Crusheen manager Michael Browne of two key saves, one in each half, by goalkeeper Donal Touhy in yesterday’s Munster Club SHC semi-final win.

The first of those saves came in the 26th minute, off Stephen Dineen, when Carrigtwohill were two points ahead and pushing hard for the goal that would have given them the kind of half-time cushion they needed,given the strength of the wind at their backs.

“It was lucky enough,” said modest Donal; “He was about 20 metres out, coming to the 13-metre line, going to strike off his right so I knew it was going to go to my right as well — lucky enough to get to it.”

The second was even more crucial, 12 minutes into the second half, Carrigtwohill desperate to negate Crusheen’s powerful six-point run. Michael Fitzgerald was the gunner this time, again from close range, but again Donal was up to the task.

“He was on the 13-metre line again, had to turn, had his back facing to goal so it was just a reaction save. Those weren’t the end of the defensive heroics, however, and before the end full-back Cronan Dillon topped it off with yet another save.

It added up to a very satisfied Crusheen manager. Browne said: “Overall you’d have to say our defence was excellent, and our forwards — they’ve been much maligned in Clare yet they came down here today and took some fantastic scores in the second half.”

Now, a Munster final, and it feels good ! “Absolutely, thanks be to God, regardless of who the opposition are (Limerick’s Na Piarsaigh). At least we’re in it now and you know yourself, the best team or the worst team, when you reach a final, everyone has a 50/50 chance. We’ll be going for it.”