Hurlers go down fighting in tough test against Mayo

NHL Division 3A Round 4

Mayo 2-17

Cavan 1-14

Kevin Óg Carney at McHale Park

Cavan’s senior hurlers died with their boots on last Saturday evening after a cracking NHL Division 3A contest played out in bitterly cold conditions at MacHale Park, Castlebar.

Traditionally, Mayo hurling has been a league or three ahead of Cavan’s finest but last weekend the bragging rights were up for grabs right through to the final seconds.

Mayo’s eventual success in making it three victories from three outings this season was on the cards prior to the game and when they got off to an explosive start by netting after just 48 seconds, it looked like Cavan were in for a long, long day out way out west.

However, in seeking to add to their two league points, Cavan circled the wagons and never lost sight of their opponents. Indeed, when Nicky Kenny goaled four minutes into the second half to cut the westerners’ lead to a single point, an unlikely dog fight emerged.

In truth though, for all Cavan’s grit, guts and gallant fighting spirit, Michael Farrell’s quick-fire opening goal for Mayo gave the hosts a lead they never truly looked like relinquishing.

Cavan largely gave as good as they got over the course of the 70-plus minutes but when Liam Lavin’s goal (48) - against the run of play - hoisted the red and greens into a 2-10 to 1-9 lead, wind-backed Cavan’s valiant efforts to hit back came to nothing.

Mayo were ahead by 1-6 to 0-2 at the quarter hour mark but unanswered points from Diarmaid Carney, Nicky Kenny and Liam O’Brien (23) had the die-hard Cavan travelling support in full voice for the first time in the game.

Things could have been much rosier at that junction though but after good work by Jack McGuinness and Rian Delaney, a goal chance for O’Brien was sadly snuffed out by a retreating Mayo defence.

Mayo’s impressive number 8, Daniel Huane, pointed in the 29th minute to end a 15 minutes barren period for his side but, more importantly Adrian Phillips’ brace in added-on time in the first half stretched the hosts’ lead to a well-heeled five points, 1-9 to 0-7.

With the elements at their backs, Cavan began with a spring in their step on the restart and it took a fine save by Davog Freyne to prevent Jack Barry goaling just a minute into the second half.

Cavan more than hung in there though and gave their much fancied hosts a true battle in the long run for home by all but matching Mayo, score for score down the back straight after reacting very positively to the hosts’ success in scoring five unanswered points between the 50th minute and the 58th minute by which stage they say pretty on the back of a 2-16 to 1-10 lead.

Some stout work at the back by Enda Shalvey, forceful work by Canice Maher at midfield, Nicky Kenny’s accuracy and top class goalkeeping by Niall Clerkin saw Cavan retain a degree of hope in the dregs of the game.

Mayo’s superior experience, expert wrist action in front of goal and a tad more staying power proved pivotal though in keeping Cavan at bay.

Mayo’s victory means they have one foot in the league final. For Cavan, one victory in either of their final two games (against Monaghan and Armagh) could yet see them go on and bag a re-match with their conquerors last Saturday afternoon.

Mayo: Davog Frayne; Luke Connor, Eoghan Collins, Sean Mulroy; Conal Hession, David Kenny, Danny Hill; Daniel Huane (0-3), Sean Kenny (0-1); Liam Lavin (1-3), Adrian Phillips (0-6, 5f), John Heraty; Michael Farrell (1-0), Cormac Phillips (0-3, 3f), Eoin Delaney (0-1).

Subs; Conor Murray for L Connor; Oisin Greally for J Heraty; Joseph Burke for S Mulroy.

Cavan: Niall Clerkin; Shane Briody, Gavin Fitzpatrick, Philip McCabe; Diarmaid Carney (0-1), Enda Shalvey, Dillon Mulligan; Canice Maher (0-1), Jack McGuinness (0-1); Liam O’Brien (0-4, 4f), Jack Barry, Thomas Leonard; Rian Delaney, Nicholas Kenny (1-6, 1f), Mattie Hynes.

Subs; Brian Fitzgerald for R Delaney; John Carney for T Leonard; Oisin Gaffney for S Briody; Rory Farrell for J McGuinness; Conor Masterson for J Barry.

Ref; Michael Connelly (Sligo).

Photo credit: Mayo GAA