Fine Turin total takes third victory in style

Turin 4-28, Clonkill 5-8

A lot done, more to do. That old political cliché, when given a sporting context, might well sum up Turin at this stage, their third win in the Westmeath Intermediate Hurling Championship coming on Friday evening against old foes Clonkill in Kinnegad.

In glorious sunshine, Turin triumphed. They chalked up the kind of scoreline that suggests they could be on the brink of history, but they’ll be acutely aware they’ve been there before and will remember the heartache of 1995 and ‘97. It’s not just the hurt of those final defeats that will drive them on, though - they have a well-balanced squad, an ideal blend of youth and experience that could finally take them there.

At half-time here they were in a winning position, leading by 2-11 to 1-5 after newcomer PJ O’Neill and corner forward Conor Leech bagged goals. They were 22 points clear by the 49th minute and even allowing for late lapses in concentration, when Clonkill got in for three late goals, this was a fine victory. Ray Aughey got a great goal 45 seconds after the restart and Turin’s fourth major came from O’Neill when Oisin L’Estrange delivered a sideline cut.

The manner of Turin’s start was also impressive and they were 1-6 to 0-1 clear by the end of the first quarter, Wexford native O’Neill tearing clear to fire home their opening goal in the eighth minute. Darragh Smith and Danny McGrath hit superb long-range points, McGrath’s inspirational. Sean Leech stood out, his superb sideline cut leading to an Alan Aughey point; midfielder Ciaran Kiernan took a pass from O’Neill and shot over.

Even though Alex Smith ghosted in and found the net at the near post for Clonkill on 19 minutes, they were struggling to stay in contention.

The second Turin goal was superb - O’Neill, Smith, Declan McGrath and Oisin L’Estrange all involved before Conor Leech finished clinically to the net, making it 2-10 to 1-4.

There was still a need for Turin to be focused at the break and there was no hint of resting on their laurels as Ray Aughey got their third goal in quickfire style. Aughey then showed his experience for a clever point and the scores flowed in slick fashion, Sean Leech with a superb point in the sixth minute. Clonkill managed just two points in the third quarter per Evan Scally (free) and Mark Keegan. Turin pressed on, adding a fourth goal when Oisin L’Estrange’s sideline cut floated invitingly across the square where O’Neill caught and rounded the opposing ‘keeper to find the net. The goal was taken with the kind of nonchalance that suggested Turin were coasting and there was no stopping them.

Substitute Luke Kenny pulled a goal back for Clonkill, but Turin ‘keeper Eoin Aughey denied him a second with a great save in the 53rd minute. Paddy Dowdall, Evan Scally (free) and Smyth did add Clonkill majors in the final five minutes, but the result was never in doubt.

Manager John Heffernan will be pleased, but he will also be acutely aware that a more ruthless defensive effort will be required come the business end of the championship. Turin are moving in the right direction, though, and there is a belief among their proud supporters.

Talk of a title at this stage is fraught with danger, but Turin will have to contend with that thanks to the impressive nature of their opening three performances.

The hand of history is reaching out, they will just have to make sure to grab it.

Scorers - Turin: S Leech 0-7 (5f), PJ O’Neill 2-1, R Aughey 1-2, C Leech 1-1, C Kiernan 0-3, A Aughey, D McGrath, D Smith and K Carey 0-2 each, O L’Estrange and J Geoghegan 0-1 each.

Clonkill: A Smyth 2-0, E Scally 1-3 (1-2f), P Dowdall 1-1, L Kenny 1-0, M Keegan 0-3, C Daly 0-1.

Turin: Eoin Aughey; Sean Scally, Luke Gardiner, Peter Finch; Craig Neville, Danny McGrath, Darragh Smith; Declan McGrath, Ciaran Kiernan; Sean Leech, Oisin L’Estrange, PJ O’Neill; Conor Leech, Alan Aughey, Ray Aughey. Subs: Khassim Carey for R Aughey (36), John Egan for S Scally (43), Jack Geoghegan for Declan McGrath (45), Josh L’Estrange for A Aughey (55), Michael Carey for Finch (58).

Clonkill: Darragh Egerton; Enda Morrison, Jamie Coffey, Scott Murtagh; Riley Sheahan, Paul Poynton, Christopher Austin; Carl McCormack, Stephen Colgan; Niall Dowdall, Mark Keegan, Evan Scally; Alex Smyth, Paddy Dowdall, Cillian Doyle. Subs: Conor Daly for Colgan (h-t), Jake Muldoon for Murtagh (40), Luke Kenny for Doyle (43).

Ref: Rob Cornally (St Oliver Plunkett’s).