Classy Canning guides Pearses to league glory

Pádraig Pearses gave themselves a valuable boost before the Championship commences as they downed St. Dominic’s after extra time in the Senior Hurling League final.

Seán Canning produced a Man of the Match display as his long range free that found the net in the first period of extra time ultimately proved the difference maker. He also slotted over a ’65 and a free in the final period of extra time while Liam Creavin produced a fine stop to deny St. Dominic’s Ruairi Kilcline from smuggling home an injury time goa.

With both sides keen to secure silverware, the first half was tense. Mickey Joe Egan was a ball of energy up front for St. Dominic’s as he bagged five opening half points while Canning had six of his own during the opening 30 minutes, including a sumptuous sideline cut from 50m out.

The separating score came in the 28th minute as Daniel Staunton found the roof of the net after Thomas Carey had been initially denied.

That helped Pearses lead 1-8 to 0-8 at half time.

The third quarter saw both sides accurate from the placed ball before St. Dominic’s sub Connell Kennelly flicked Mickey Joe Egan’s long delivery to the net to give his side a 1-15 to 1-13 lead.

Even though Daniel Staunton helped Pearses draw level, Kennelly struck again as he flicked Nathan O’Connor’s ball to the net. However, Pearses dug in as two Canning frees and a lovely effort from James Burke left the teams level at 1-18 apiece at the sound of the final whistle.

St. Dominic’s were edging the first period of extra time before Canning’s free found the net on the stroke of half time.

Canning was able to help his side home with two further points as Creavin’s late save helped to seal league glory for Pearses with these sides all set to meet again next Friday in the opening round of the Championship.