Connaughton catapults St. Dominic's into first senior hurling final in 23 years
Naos Connaughton was in unstoppable scoring form for St. Dominic's on Sunday afternoon. Picture: Bernie O'Farrell
St. Dominic's are back in the Roscommon senior hurling final for the first time since 2001, thanks to Naos Connaughton's incredible scoring spree against Athleague in Ballyforan on Sunday afternoon.
The St. Dominic's full-forward contributed a personal tally of 4-5 as Martin 'Thady' Beirne's side reached the club's first senior decider since 2001.
Tadgh Lyons' 23rd minute goal unravelled much of Dominic's good work early on but when Connaughton fired to the net in first-half injury time, a 1-7 to 1-2 half-time scoreline was far more reflective of the winners' dominance.
Crucially, they found another gear in the second half, despite playing into the wind, with Connell Kennelly, Micheál Byrne, Jason Martin and Jack Lohan upping the ante.
But it was Connaughton's ability to do damage on the scoreboard that was his side's key weapon. His second goal arrived in the 38th minute before he completed his hat-trick after great work by Kennelly and Lohan in the 50th minute.
Connaughton grabbed a fourth goal with seven minutes before late goals from frees by Robbie Fallon and Ben McGahon took the raw look off the scoreboard from an Athleague perspective.
In the other semi-final, Four Roads remained on course for three-in-a-row with a 1-21 to 1-12 victory against Roscommon Gaels
The Gaels will rue 15 wides, 11 of which came in the opening half when they played with wind advantage.
Finn Killion was his side's main scorer, but Four Roads had moved 1-9 to 0-6 ahead at half time, thanks to Liam Óg Coyle's 25th minute goal.
A Ryan Conlon goal gave Roscommon Gaels hope but the defending champions, despite losing Conor Morris to injury, eased their way back into another final, thanks to scores from Coyle and Conor Mulry.
