Blayney blaze in SHC glory
By Colm Shalvey at Gavan Duffy Park, Monaghan
Castleblayney made it a three-in-a-row of Monaghan SHC titles with a seven-point win over Truagh at a well-attended Gavan Duffy Park on Sunday.
Truagh put it up to the holders for long spells and they were within striking distance until Blayney held them scoreless for the last 23 minutes to ensure they continued their dominance of the county championship, which they have now won nine times out of the last ten.
A string of early points by Leo Moloney and a Thomas Hughes goal helped Blayney to a 1-7 to 0-2 lead by the end of the opening quarter, before target-man David Carvill converted a penalty to give Truagh a lifeline.
An opportunistic strike by Brian McGuigan gave Blayney their second goal, en route to a five-point half-time advantage. Conor Boyle hit 0-6 for Truagh, who started the second half with real purpose to move within two points, but Declan Hughes, Moloney and the returning Mark Treanor were on target as Blayney eventually pulled away.
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Niall Garland Castleblayney gets the sliothar under control. Photo by FintanMcTiernanImage 2 of 5
Truagh's Gereth Mohan makes a superb catch before landing and striking a beautiful point in the first half. Photo by Fintan McTiernanImage 3 of 5
Zach McArdle, Castleblayney HC in possession and turns away from his marker. Photo by FintanMcTiernanImage 4 of 5
Truagh's, Diarmuid O'Domhnaill although surrounded manages to pass the sliothar off to a waiting colleague. Photo by Fintan McTiernanImage 5 of 5
Thomas Hughes, Castleblayney H.C., and Ronan Boyle Truagh. Photo by FintanMcTiernanCastleblayney started with 12 of their team who won last year’s county final, with Truagh retaining 11 of their side from that day.
The introduction of Treanor and Pauric Malone helped Jimmy Lacey’s Blayney close the game out for their 36th title, completing another league and championship double.
For full report and reaction, pick up this week's Anglo-Celt.