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St Dominic’s set sights on elusive title

Written by Seamus Duke on

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Seamus Duke in Ballyforan

 

 

Roscommon Kepak SHC semi-final

St Dominic’s 3-14 Tremane 0-15

Action from the Kepak Roscommon SHC semi-final between St Dominic’s and Tremane in Ballyforan last Sunday. Tremane’s Cian O’Brien is surrounded by a number of St Dominic’s players. Photo: Michael Finan

Two goals in a three-minute spell in the final quarter proved decisive as St Dominic’s advanced to the Roscommon Senior Hurling final for the second time in three years at the expense of Tremane last Sunday. In the final analysis, it was the firepower of St Dominic’s that proved the difference.

Tremane battled away all through but they were heavily dependent on Peter Kellehan and Evan Murray for their scores, while St Dominic’s had a better spread of scorers throughout their team.

Playing with the strong wind at their backs in the opening half, Tremane started brightly with an Evan Murray point and a Peter Kellehan ’65. St Dominic’s pounced for their first goal in the 6th minute, Naos Connaughton flicking a long delivery past Kevin Kellehan.

Tremane’s John Brennan and Mikey Moran of St Dominic’s in action during the Kepak Roscommon Senior Hurling Championship semi-final in Ballyforan last Sunday. Photo: Michael Finan

When they had the aid of the elements, Tremane really needed to establish a good lead, but St Dominic’s were playing well and remaining in touch. The sides were level four times before the break, with Mickey Joe Egan contributing three points for St Dominic’s, while Peter Kellehan’s three points ensured the sides were level at half-time. St Dominic’s 1-4 Tremane 0-7.

With wind advantage, St Dominic’s would have been hopeful of driving on from the beginning of the second half, but Tremane were the better team in the third quarter. Peter Kellehan (2), John Brennan and Evan Murray pointed on the restart, and by the 36th minute Tremane were ahead, 0-11 to 1-5.

St Dominic’s replied with points from Connell Kennelly, Mickey Joe Egan and Gavin Staunton to tie the scores again by the 46th minute. Evan Murray’s free edged Tremane in front again.

Action from the Kepak Roscommon SHC semi-final between St Dominic’s and Tremane in Ballyforan last Sunday. St Dominic’s goalkeeper Mark Miley blocks the sliotar as Tremane’s Tomas Tiernan and Mike Feely (St Dominic’s) look on. Photo: Michael Finan

The first of two crucial second-half goals arrived for St Dominic’s in the 50th minute when Jack Lohan drilled the sliotar to the net following a long drive from goalkeeper Mark Miley.

Tremane responded well with points from Kellehan and Murray, but in the 53rd minute St Dominic’s struck with another timely goal. Connell Kennelly did the spadework, Mickey Joe Egan supplying a superb finish.

It was the score that essentially sealed the game. St Dominic’s finished with further points through Mickey Joe Egan and two long-range frees from goalkeeper Mark Miley.

St Dominic’s will be very happy with the way they were able to close out this victory. Encouragingly for them, the full-forward line of Mickey Joe Egan, Naos Connaughton and Jack Lohan scored 3-8 of the team’s tally.

Action from the Kepak Roscommon SHC semi-final between St Dominic’s and Tremane in Ballyforan last Sunday. Pauric Halpin and Mikey Moran of St Dominic’s and Tremane’s John Brennan feature. Photo: Michael Finan

Meanwhile, Micheál Byrne was magnificent for St Dominic’s at centre half-back and others to shine for them on the day were Mark Miley, Colm Lyons, Ronan Kilcline and Connell Kennelly.

For a Tremane side who were competitive for most of the game, Mike Kellehan, Niall Keenan, Peter Kellehan, John Brennan and Evan Murray were most prominent.

Now St Dominic’s turn their attention to the final and another clash with Four Roads. When the teams met in the 2024 final, St Dominic’s were in a great position at one stage only to let the title slip from their grasp. They now have a chance to make amends and win a first senior championship since 1999. Four Roads will be formidable opposition, but on their best form, St Dominics definitely have a chance.

St Dominic’s goalkeeper Mark Miley watches as a Tremane effort goes narrowly wide during the Kepak Roscommon Senior Hurling Championship semi-final in Ballyforan last Sunday. Photo: Michael Finan

St Dominic’s: Mark Miley (0-2, frees); Mikey Moran, Mike Feeley, Fergal Hoare; Nathan O’Connor, Micheál Byrne, Pauric Halpin; Ronan Kilcline, Ethan O’Connor; Colm Lyons (0-2), Connell Kennelly (0-1), Gavin Staunton (0-1); Mickey Joe Egan (1-7, 4 frees, 1 ’65), Naos Connaughton (1-1), Jack Lohan (1-0). Subs: Johnny Murray for Staunton (50), Noel Watson for Kennelly (55), Jason Martin for Kilcline (60), Mark O’Malley for Hoare (62).

Tremane: Kevin Kellehan; Shane McAndrew, Joe Brennan, Tomas Tiernan; Cathal Brennan, Michael Kellehan, Cathal Mahony; Niall Keenan, Sean Mahony; Cian O’Brien, Peter Kellehan (0-8, 5 frees, 1 ’65), Padraic Brennan; Conor Kavanagh, Evan Murray (0-6, 2 frees), John Brennan (0-1). Subs: Liam Óg Murray for O’Brien (41), Darren Gately for J Brennan (56), Kevin Brennan for Kavanagh (58).

Referee: Sean Trowell.

 

Stat Attack

Red cards: 0

Yellow cards: St Dominic’s 0; Tremane 1 (Evan Murray)

Wides: St Dominic’s 8 (4, first half); Tremane 7 (3, first half)

Man of the match: Micheál Byrne (St Dominic’s)