Fourteen man Four Roads come unstuck
Conor Coyle had captained Four Roads to their 37th Roscommon senior hurling. Picture: Cáit Kenny
Four Roads exited the Connacht Intermediate Hurling Championship at the quarter final stage, this afternoon in Hyde Park, as they came unstuck in the second half against a rampant Tooreen, losing out 2-25 to 3-12.
Kerril Wade’s side appeared in a healthy position when leading by six points at half time, but the 14 men of Four Roads were blown away in the second period. Tooreen outscored their foes 2-17 to 1-4 after the break as Conor Morris’ 23rd minute red card proved a seismic blow.
Even with a full complement, Four Roads would have struggled with the pace and accuracy of the four in a row Connacht champions as Shane Boland and Liam Lavin starred in attack.
Tooreen showed their intent early doors by blasting over three points in exactly 60 seconds. The energetic Shane Boland, Joe Boyle and Oisin Greally all arrowed over as this game appeared to be heading along expected lines.
However, Four Roads remained unfazed as they blasted 1-2 without reply as Conor Mulry won turnover ball before driving through and burying to the net. Shane Boland fired over three more scores in the opening quarter, but Tooreen were sloppy in possession while their defence appeared vulnerable to the high ball.
Conor Morris was looking sharp with three opening half points but as he tried to flick Conor Mulry’s pass forward, he ended up catching Oisin Greally’s face guard and subsequently received a straight red card.
Four Roads responded well to the setback initially as Noel Fallon’s booming puckout broke to Tommy Morris who ran through and rattled the net, to help Four Roads lead 2-8 to 0-8 at half time.
Tooreen emerged a renewed force in the second half as they outscored Four Roads 1-10 to 0-2 in the first 19 minutes.
Despite a sumptuous Cathal Dolan line ball, Four Roads were struggling with the pace of Tooreen up front as the Boland brothers Shane and Fergal combined in the 38th minute with the latter rattling the net.
Adam Donnelly found the net from a 20m free for Four Roads, but Tooreen immediately resumed control as Liam Lavin, Eoin Delaney and Shane Boland pointed afterwards to cancel out the goal.
At this stage, Four Roads were struggling with the relentless pace of the game as Fergal Boland streaked through to bury to the net and end Four Roads’ year and ensure Roscommon’s poor record in the Connacht Intermediate Hurling Championship continues.
