Eire Og Annacarty/Galtee Rovers 6-15, Lattin/Cullen Gaels 3-18.

By Francis Coughlan at Lattin (As reported on West Tipperary GAA Facebook page).

Robert Byron’s goal with time almost up eventually sealed victory for Eire/Galtee against Lattin/Cullen Gaels in Lattin on Wednesday evening. In this the final game of Group 2 of the Bewleys West Minor B Hurling Championship, goals at key times that halted Lattin/Cullen’s comeback each time saw the combination of Eire Og/Galtee advance to a semi-final meeting with Arravale Rovers. For Lattin/Cullen Gaels it was the second game in a row that they came out the wrong side of a high scoring encounter.

Paudie Bradshaw got Eire Og/Galtee off the mark but this was quickly cancelled out by Diarmuid Looby at the other end. Further points from Paudie Bradshaw and Robert Moloney saw Eire /Galtee go three points up. Diarmuid Looby responded with another point from play but Eire Og/Galtee looked far sharper in the final third. Goals from Robert Byron and Robert Moloney had the combination of Eire Og/Galtee well in control by the twelfth minute, 2-5 to 0-2. Diarmuid Looby responded with another pointed free but Lattin/Cullen Gaels had Ben Carey to thank that they weren’t further behind as he pulled off three great saves as Eire Og/Galtee attacked at will. The second quarter saw Lattin/Cullen Gaels rally and points from Tony O’Neill and Max Reardon bringing the deficit sown to five points. Robbie McGrath also forced into two good saves to deny certain goals. Eire Og/Galtee though finished the half stronger and a goal from Eamon Quirke and three points from Paudie Bradshaw saw them lead at the break 3-10 to 0-8.

The second half saw Jack Whelton go into goal for Lattin/Cullen Gaels with Ben Carey coming out the field. Carey made an immediate impact and his runs at the Eire Og/Galtee defence caused problems. Carey added a goal and points from Tony O’Neill (free) and Simon Crehan brought the deficit back to six points. Paudie Bradshaw got Eire Og/Galtee’s opening score of the half with a pointed free in the sixth minute. Kevin Stanley finished to the net for Lattin/Cullen Gaels now saw four points between the sides. However, Eire Og/Galtee rallied again with further points along with a goal from Robert Byron. Tony O’Neill was unerring from placed balls and pointed four in quick succession. The gap at five points heading to the end of the third quarter. Paudie Bradshaw responded with another pointed free but again Tony O’Neill added further points from placed balls. Just a goal separated the sides when Robert Byron added his third goal but Diarmuid Looby immediately responded when he raised a green flag at the other end. Lattin/Cullen Gaels went in search of an equaliser but when Eire Og/Galtee broke up the field Robert Byron added his fourth goal to finally see off a determined Lattin/Cullen Gaels challenge.

Eire Og/Galtee will now play Arravale Rovers in the semi-finals. Lattin/Cullen Gaels will now play Emly/Treacys in the B Shield Final.

Eire Og/Galtee: Robbie McGrath, Killian Byrne, Callum McCarthy, Bill Quirke, Sean Gubbins, David Harold Barry, Daniel Kelly, Evan Breen, Darragh O’Brien, Paudie Bradshaw (0-13, (0-10f))Cian Ryan, Ailbe Ryan (0-1), Eamon Quirke (1-0), Robert Byron (4-0), Robert Moloney (1-1)
Subs Used: Michael Furlong, Alex Harold Barry, Eoin Pike

Lattin/Cullen Gaels: Ben Carey (1-1), Niall O’Shea, Moss O’Brien, Liam Carew, Darragh O’Brien, Jack O’Halloran, Gary Quirke, Diarmuid Looby (1-4, (0-2f)), Simon Crehan (0-1), Max Reardon (0-2), Tony O’Neill (0-10, (0-8f)), Darragh Quirke, Adam Lohan, Willie Perry, Kevin Stanley (1-0)
Subs Used: Jack Whelton, Kieran O’Sullivan

Referee: Michael Duffy (Arravale Rovers)