Loughrea………8-9 Carnmore………1-2
Loughrea emerged easy winners over a disappointing Carnmore side in the Galway County semi-final of the under 15 hurling in Craughwell on Sunday evening.
Loughrea had a dream start scoring a goal in 30 seconds per B. Mahoney and from a weak puck out netted again per P. Whelan. M. Kelly added a point before Carnmore handled the ball. When Carnmore replied with a goal per S. Duggan a great contest seemed possible but it soon petered out as smart ground play and crisp caman craft saw the smaller Loughrea boys well on top.
Captain B. Kelly crashed home an unstoppable shot and G. Kelly added a goal and a point to leave Loughrea leading 4-1 to 1-0. P. Fitzgerald pointed a 70 yds. for Loughrea and P. Whelan 1-1, B. Kelly 1-1, B. Mahoney 1-0, P. Murphy 0-1 added to Loughrea's total 6-6 to 1-0 at half time.
Even with wind advantage Carnmore could only add two points per M. McNellis in the second half and Loughrea added goals per B. Mahoney and D. Maloney and points by B. Kelly 2, and P. Murphy. Best in a solid Loughrea defence were C. Maloney and M. Barret. D. Curley and D. Loughnane and both midfielders and all forwards shared in the scoring. Best of a disappointing Carnmore side were goalkeeper J. Fox and V. Hanley, midfielder S. Noone and forwards S. Duggan 1-0 and J. McNellis O-2.