O’Loan Save Secures Lavey Win

Lavey progress to the semi final of the hurling championship after deafeating Banagher on Saturday on a final scoreline of Lavey 1.14 Banagher 1.10.

It was a game of cat and mouse throughout with never any more than a few points seperating the sides.

Having been introduced to the game at an early stage in place of the injured Kevin O’Neill, it was Paul Hearty who scored the Lavey goal. Banagher netted first, Stefan McCloskey’s strike from 30 yards out finding its way to the back of the Lavey goals beyond the reach of keeper’ Cathal O’Loan. Lavey however, responded immediately. From the puck out, the ball found its way to Hearty who played a high ball into the square. Cailean O’Boyle followed the ball in and attempted to get on the end of it, this most likely providing the distraction which allowed the ball to slip in over the Banagher keepers’ head.

Lavey produced a strong second quarter to lead by three points at the break, the half time score reading Lavey 1.7 Banagher 1.4.

Lavey looked to have secured victory as they led by four points as the game moved into injury time, however nerves were frayed when referee, Sean McGuigan, awarded Banagher a penalty when it was judged that a player was dragged down inside the square. The Banagher keeper, ‘Sticks’, stepped up to take the penalty, however it was the Lavey number ‘1’ who saved the day; Cathal O’Loan saving the ball on the line and clearing to secure victory for the Erin’s Own men on a final score line of Lavey 1-14 Banagher 1-10.

Lavey were dealt misfortune throughout the game in that a number of their key players picked up injuries; Kevin O’Neill, Colm Murphy and Ben Dodds all having to be substituted. We wish all these players a speedy recovery and hope that the injuries incurred are not as serious as first thought.

Lavey now face Ballinascreen in the championship semi-final on Saturday at 5pm in Owenbeg. Best of luck to the team and management.

All photographs courtesy of Leo McElwee, Bawn Photo.