Plunkett’s shock Raharney

St Oliver Plunkett’s caused a surprise in the Westmeath senior hurling championship when they defeated Raharney in Friday’s game in Cusack Park, Mullingar.

The Mullingar side defeated the 2010 champions by 1-14 to 1-12 in a tense tie.

Plunkett’s led at the end of the first quarter 0-6 to 0-2, with Sean Maguire’s point direct from a sideline ball the pick of their scores.

Raharney stayed in touch though when Cormac Boyle scored a goal with a shot on the rebound, after Paul Greville’s initial effort was saved by Peter Collins. The final four points of the first half were shared, leaving Plunkett’s 0-8 to 1-4 ahead at the break.

However Plunkett’s had a dream start to the second half with Ciarán Curley’s goal inside 60 seconds. Raharney were level by the 46th minute (1-10 each), but in an exciting finish it was the Mullingar side that edged it with Govinda Geoghegan scoring a late free to ensure the two-point victory.

Last night, Lough Lene Gaels recorded their second victory of the campaign with a comfortable win over Crookedwood (1-22 to 0-9).

The Gaels led by 0-9 to 0-5 at the break but in the second half the Collinstown outfit turned on the style to pull away.

Man of the Match for The Gaels was Tommy Doyle who scored six points from play, while Darragh McNicholas got the Gaels’ goal.

This result leaves Crookedwood with two defeats from their opening two games.

In the other championship games which take place today, reigning champions Clonkill will be expected to overcome Delvin, while last year’s finalists Castletown-Geoghegan should have too much in store for Castlepollard.