February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
This latest success after a shaky start came at the expense of Clare at Cusack Park, and it was obvious at the end that the result meant something.
“We needed the two points to stay alive, and we’re happy with that,” said manager Brian Cody. “Everyone wonders have we got the hunger? Well, our lads play hurling because they love it and they want to keep doing it.”
On the back of three wins, Clare weren’t too downcast after this defeat and Anthony Daly’s side share the top of the division with Galway and Waterford on six points. There was a scare for Kilkenny when Henry Shefflin, who scored an impressive 1-8, was stretchered off with a neck injury, but initial reports were encouraging. D.J. Carey had the winners’ other goal, while Niall Gilligan was on the mark for Clare from a penalty.
GALWAY 5-13, WATERFORD 1-14
Eugene Cloonan inspired Galway to a crushing victory over Waterford at Walsh Park where the Connacht county’s sharpshooter compiled a superb personal tally of 3-7. In trouble at the back, Waterford struggled to make it a genuine contest and their goal from Paul Flynn came too late to make any difference to the outcome.
LAOIS 3-14, DUBLIN 1-6
Dublin look destined for relegation following their comprehensive defeat at the hands of Laois at Portlaoise. James Young, who finished with 1-7, David Cuddy and Eamonn Jackman all scored goals for the winners.
DIV. 1B
CORK 3-11, OFFALY 1-15
Cork made if four wins from four when they edged out Offaly at Pairc Ui Chaoimh. A goal three minutes into stoppage time by Kieran Murphy did the trick. However, Offaly will consider themselves unlucky not to have come away with at least a draw.
With the advantage of the wind, they were 0-12 to 0-3 in front at the changeover, but they were unable to capitalize on several clear-cut scoring chances and Murphy’s second goal of the game kept Cork on course for the next phase of the competition.
TIPP 5-23, ANTRIM 0-13
Tipperary notched up a third success in a row when they hammered Antrim at Thurles. Eoin Kelly with 2-8 and Tommy Dunne with 2-2 with the main scorers for Tipp who are looking good for the knockout stages, while Antrim will now be fortunate to stave off relegation after their fourth defeat.
LIMERICK 1-13, WEXFORD 1-12
Limerick’s kept their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive when two late points by Donnacha Sheehan gave them a win over Wexford at the Gaelic Grounds.
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OTHER GAMES
Westmeath lead the way in Div. 2A after their 2-13 to 2-10 win over Derry, while Roscommon defeated Kildare by 2-9 to 0-9. Kerry maintained their 100 percent record in Div. 2B with a 1-13 to 1-7 success against Wicklow, but there was less luck for Mayo, who lost out to Meath by 1-13 to 1-10.