Harps strike at the death to end champions' reign as Delaney comes of age
Ciaran Flynn (Harps) catching this sliotar ahead of Robbie Phelan (Clough/Ballacolla) in their SHC semi-final Photo: Denis Byrne
WITH the clock reaching the 60th minute in this Laois Shopping Centre Senior Hurling Championship semi-final on Sunday not a single soul had departed the packed stand at Laois Hire O’Moore Park. Talk about nail-biting stuff.
The Harps led from the 14 second and held a two goal-lead with 10 minutes remaining. But displaying the grit and experience they are noted for, Clough/Ballacolla clawed way back to level affairs in 59th minute.
Four minutes of time added on were announced and the nerves for both sets of supporters were frayed as their sides went in search of the score that might swing the game their way and earn them a place in the final.
And not until the clock read 64 minutes 20 seconds did that happen. Somehow or other The Harps had manufactured a goal, by providence or good fortune, that sent them into the final.
Playing with the aid of the breeze in the first half and attacking the town end, The Harps burst from the blocks and never allowed Clough/Ballacolla to settle.
Teenager Eoin Delaney was at the heart of everything good about their play, striking two first-half goals in a devastating attacking performance. Around him, the rest of the forwards all found the target from play as The Harps repeatedly exposed gaps in the champions' defence.
Comerford also contributed from placed balls as the underdogs steadily built momentum and confidence.
Clough/Ballacolla struggled to impose themselves but remained in contention thanks largely to the accuracy of Picky Maher. His penalty proved vital, while Aidan Corby, Jordan Walshe and Cillian Dunne all chipped in with scores to prevent the game from slipping away entirely.
Even so, they looked to be hanging on for much of the opening period and were relieved to trail by only six points at half-time, 2-11 to 1-8.
As expected, the champions emerged for the second half with renewed urgency.
Early scores from Maher and Willie Dunphy immediately cut into the deficit and hinted at a revival. But just as Clough/Ballacolla seemed to be gaining momentum, Delaney struck again.
The young attacker showed tremendous pace and awareness to attack along the endline before rifling home his third goal of the evening, a brilliant finish that restored The Harps' authority and completed a remarkable hat-trick.
Clough/Ballacolla, however, have built their reputation on resilience and they were never likely to surrender their crown without a fight.
Maher continued to lead from the front with a stream of frees and 65s, while the impressive Cillian Dunne increasingly influenced proceedings from open play. The Harps continued to answer through Comerford and the hard-working Hugh Whelan, but the champions gradually began to turn the screw.
The contest swung dramatically in the 53rd minute when Maher finally opted to go for goal from a close-range free. Having previously taken the safer point option, he unleashed an unstoppable effort to the net and suddenly the gap was down to three.
With belief surging through their ranks, Clough/Ballacolla launched one final charge.
Maher clipped over another 65 before Ronan Broderick produced a sensational score from distance, sending over a huge strike from deep inside his own half as the game entered injury time.
Then came another blow for The Harps as Cillian Dunne landed his fifth point from play to level matters.
Extra time looked inevitable.
Instead, there was one final twist.
The Harps drove forward once more and Eoghan Murphy's long range effort for the winning score looked to be dropping short and created chaos in front of goal. Despite several sets of eyes focussed on the sliotar it somehow evaded everyone and dribbled over the line.
The decisive score brought an end to Clough/Ballacolla's championship reign and secured a famous victory for The Harps that will see them contest as first senior final since 1998. Now attention turns to October 18 and a final showdown with Camross. For The Harps, the dream is only beginning. Their supporters can now start preparing for a date with destiny.
The Harps: Eoin Delaney 3-1, Ciaran Comerford 0-7 (0-5fs), Eoghan Murphy 1-2, Hugh Whelan 0-3, Rian Edwards, Justin Duggan and Padraic Dunne 0-1 each.
Clough/Ballacolla: Stephen Maher 2-7 (1-5fs, 1-0 pen, 0-2 65s), Cillian Dunne 0-5, Jordan Walshe, Aidan Corby and Willie Dunphy 0-2 each, Ronan Broderick 0-1.
Bobby Murphy; Eoghan Doheny, Cody Comerford, Jack Kennedy; Ciaran Flynn, Podge Delaney, Eoghan Murphy; Rian Edwards, Padraic Dunne; Ross Deegan, Ciaran Comerford, Eoin Delaney; Justin Duggan, Hugh Whelan, James Duggan.
Subs: Tiernach Doheny for Edwards (47m), John Brophy for Delaney (57m), Mark Downey for Justin Duggan (61m).
Cathal Dunne; Diarmuid Conway, Lochlann Conway, Cormac Hogan; Ronan Broderick, Lee Cleere, Jordan Walshe; Aidan Corby, Joe Corby; Robbie Phelan, Willie Dunphy, Stephen Maher; Cillian Dunne, Mark Hennessy, Stephen Bergin.
Subs: Colm Brennan for Bergin (50m), John Coonan for J Corby (52m).
John Lalor (Shanahoe)
