Carolan goals ensure resounding victory for Delvin

Delvin 2-20, Cullion 0-14

A brace of Eoin Carolan goals propelled Delvin to a crucial victory in the Westmeath Senior ‘B’ Hurling Championship, in showery conditions at Killucan on Saturday.

The Valley men always looked in control of this game and led by eight points at half-time, 1-10 to 0-5, before continuing to dominate after the break. The gap was 10 points entering the final quarter and a depleted Cullion side never seemed likely to turn this game around.

Jack Galvin was injured in the previous game against St Oliver Plunkett’s and that limited his effectiveness here, while Jack Gillen went off with an ankle injury after just 19 minutes. Delvin scored six points to their opponent’s four in that final quarter and it was more than sufficient to see them over the line.

Delvin stormed into a six-point lead in the opening 10 minutes, taking a strong grip on the game. Darragh Clinton got the opening point from a free in midfield and after five minutes, Dean Ennis’s long delivery found Eoin Carolan, who finished to the net.

Clinton and Killian Murphy (after Liam Carolan and Denis Ennis combined) both added points to complete a terrific start for Delvin. While Jack Gillen pointed for Cullion, Dean Ennis shot over from midfield and Clinton slotted over a free when he was impeded, putting Delvin 1-5 to 0-1 clear.

Kevin Regan was Cullion’s shining light in this game and his free reduced the leeway on 17 minutes, but that was only after ‘keeper Conor Kelly denied Sean Hoctor a goal. Regan shot an impressive point from close to the sideline as Cullion continued to battle, but Delvin responded through Dean Ennis and Eoin Carolan.

That was the general trend - Delvin always capable of responding in emphatic fashion whenever Cullion threatened to reduce the deficit. A superb long-range strike from centre back Adam Ennis was one of the highlights on 29 minutes and Eoin Carolan was almost in for another goal before Kelly cleared the danger.

INEVITABLE

Having held a big lead at the break, Delvin took just 90 seconds to add to their tally when play resumed as Jack Forde fired over and a couple of Kevin Regan scores (one free) made little impression, with Clinton soon pointing for the leaders. While Kelly made a good save to deny Eoin Carolan a goal on 40 minutes, he was powerless to prevent the full forward finding the net at the second attempt four minutes later.

That second goal, which came after a fine Conor Regan point for Cullion, left Delvin leading by 2-13 to 0-9 with 16 minutes remaining and the outcome was pretty inevitable at that stage. Cullion needed a goal, but Kevin Regan’s close-range free flashed over the crossbar (45 minutes) and Delvin simply kept the scorekeeper busy courtesy of Clinton (free) and Eoin Carolan.

Cullion did get two-in-a-row from Kevin (free) and Conor Regan, but again Clinton replied with a converted free.

The talented centre forward added four further minors (two frees) in the final nine minutes (including added time) and while Conor Regan shot a fine score for Cullion, they were soundly beaten. Kevin Regan's late effort at goal from a free was repelled by the resolute Delvin defence.

Scorers - Delvin: D Clinton 0-13 (8f), E Carolan 2-2, D Ennis 0-2, K Murphy, A Ennis and J Forde 0-1 each.

Cullion: K Regan 0-10 (8f), C Regan 0-3, J Gillen 0-1.

Delvin: Stephen Reilly, Sebastian McPherson, Patrick Clune, Francis McGrath; Liam Carolan, Adam Ennis, Fintan Cox; Dean Ennis, Patrick Farrington; Paddy Kelly, Darragh Clinton, Killian Murphy; Jack Forde, Eoin Carolan, Sean Hoctor.

Cullion: Conor Kelly, Pierce Shaw, Brendan King, Liam Shaw, Jack Galvin, Conor Shaw, James Kelly, Pearse Corroon, Conor Regan, Shane Broughan, Kevin Regan, Brian O’Reilly, James Corcoran, Jack Gillen, Eoin Fox. Subs: Robbie Gillen for J Gillen (inj. 19), Damien Golden for O’Reilly (20), Marc Watters for E Fox (HT), Andrew Connaughton for R Gillen (52).

Ref: Jimmy Greville (Raharney). 

Examiner's Eye on the game

Man of the match

Darragh Clinton (Delvin): There was great industry from a number of Delvin players, but ultimately Darragh Clinton showed his class with 13 precious points, some of which he made look easy. Patrick Clune and Dean Ennis stood out also, while Eoin Carolan bagged 2-2 at full forward.

Score of the match

Kevin Regan shot over a superb point from close to the far sideline in the 18th minute as Cullion battled to stay in the game.

What it means

Delvin are off the mark with this crucial victory in round three. Cullion are now in trouble in this competition with just a draw after three rounds. Round four sees Cullion take on Brownstown; Delvin meet St Oliver Plunkett’s.