Tulsk lay down the gauntlet in claiming O’Gara Cup

Tulsk claimed the O’Gara Cup as they proved too strong for Éire Óg, prevailing 1-17 to 0-12.

Liam McNeill’s side have been highly impressive during the course of the league campaign and they continued to show why they can have a major say in the Intermediate Championship with this polished victory.

Although a Colm Lavin two point free left Éire Óg just two points behind at the interval, 0-10 to 0-8, Tadhg O’Rourke’s goal moments after the resumption of play gave Tulsk a buffer they never relinquished.

Tulsk never trailed and in fact forged 0-5 to 0-1 ahead with Sean Martin’s two point free helping the home side surge ahead. But, Colm Lavin’s two point frees kept Éire Óg interested with a pair of those and a Jason Doory free cutting Tulsk’s lead to just a point.

Two Thomas O’Rourke scores helped Tulsk maintain their advantage while Lavin took his tally to 0-6 for the first half with another two point free to leave Éire Óg just two down.

However, Tulsk plundered 1-3 without reply at the start of the second half as Tadhg O’Rourke put daylight between the sides.

A Jason Doory two pointer gave Éire Óg a chance. Last year’s Intermediate semi finalists only registered four second half points as Cathal O’Rourke bagged two important late scores to see Tulsk prevail.

Meanwhile, Strokestown B produced a memorable comeback to beat Ballinameen 2-15 to 1-10 in the Tansey Cup final.

Strokestown trailed 1-8 to 1-1 at half time and although they had the wind to come, their second half tour de force was a far cry from their wastefulness in the opening period.

The winners led this game 1-1 to 0-2 after the first quarter as Paddy Brogan bundled the ball over the line for Strokestown’s major. However, Ballinameen took over as they kicked 1-7 without reply either side of the break.

Dessie Carlos’ quickfire 1-2 helped his side lead 1-8 to 1-1 at half time. A David Wynne effort saw Ballinameen lead by six at the start of the second half.

But, Strokestown kicked four two-point frees in the second half as Conor Silke’s side registered 1-11 without reply in the final 20 minutes of this contest.

Kevin Finn’s inspirational two-point free from near the sideline cut Strokestown’s deficit to just two points.

Moments later, Finn earned a two-point free that Cian Corcoran converted while another Corcoran placed ball from outside the arc pushed Strokestown ahead. 

Ballinameen were stunned as Luke Kelly’s 56th minute palmed goal sealed silverware for Strokestown.

**Full reports from both games in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald**