McCabe points the way as Tubberclair keep run going

Westmeath SFC Section B: Tubberclair 1-20 Killucan 3-11

In what has been a marvellous Westmeath SFC so far, Tubberclair edged out Killucan in another thrilling encounter at Milltown GAA last Saturday evening.

Facing a seasoned senior championship outfit in Killucan, last year’s intermediate champions had to dig deep to eke out a third successive victory, with Eoghan McCabe’s ability to kick two-pointers proving crucial. And it’s notable that they have registered tallies of 1-19, 3-20 and 1-20 without the services of Westmeath star Matthew Whittaker.

This game was on a knife edge in the closing stages and Killucan were left to reflect on some key moments, with their decision making letting them down on a few occasions.

Killucan looked the better team for long spells of the first half and, despite losing midfielder Joey Boyle to injury early on, they led by 1-7 0-4 approaching the interval. However, Tubberclair finished the half strongly and, aided by orange flags from McCabe and Fred Kelleher, they were only one point adrift at half-time (1-8 to 0-10).

With the pitch in excellent condition and both teams wearing alternative jerseys, four points were evenly shared in the early stages. Sami Clarke (a well struck 45) and Eamon Cunneen scored for Killucan, while McCabe (a free) and Kealan Connell were on target for Tubberclair. Fred Kelleher tried to flick Connell’s effort towards the net but was unable to get a touch and the ball ended up hopping over the bar.

After Eoghan Ahearn put Killucan back in front, they struck for the game’s first goal (15th minute). There was a large dollop of good fortune attached with Devin Hill’s point attempt coming back off an upright and falling perfectly for Sean Quinn to finish to the net. The Tubberclair defence failed to react and Quinn took full advantage.

McCabe provided a foretaste of what was to come with a sumptuous two-pointer off the outside of the boot. But with Sean Leech impressing at midfield for Killucan, Tubberclair were unable to build on this boost. Indeed, Killucan went six clear with scores from Hill (a single and a two-pointer) and Clarke (after a good ball inside from Calum McKeogh).

After Finn Duffy replied for Tubberclair, Hill threatened a second Killucan goal with the hard-working Sean Claffey getting across to execute a block at the expense of a 45. Hill soon raised a white flag with aplomb but a brace of two-pointers from McCabe (exploiting the space afforded to him) and Kelleher altered the complexion of the scoreline, with just the minimum separating them at half-time.

Shortly after the restart, Killucan defender Andrew Flood blazed wide when well placed, before Sean Claffey scored a point his endeavour deserved at the other end.

But Killucan then hit a 1-2 salvo which put them into a promising lead of 2-10 to 0-11. Hill was a major threat throughout and he scored one of the points and the 37th-minute goal, after Eoghan Ahearn did well to keep the ball in play.

Not for the first time, McCabe supplied a two-pointer when it was needed, this one from near the sideline. Points were exchanged between Connell and Clarke (a fisted effort via the crossbar) to leave three between them.

Tubberclair struck for their all-important goal in the 45th minute when Connell swept the ball to the net with a fine low drive.

The men from Glasson and surrounding areas built on this boost with scores from McCabe (a two-point free) and a brace from Paul Keegan, who really came to life in the second half.

Killucan gave themselves a lifeline when Leech, having been moved to full-forward, earned a penalty with Kyle Fagan penalised for a foot block. Clarke’s penalty was superbly taken to leave just one point between them.

In an exciting finale, Tubberclair showed the greater composure. Shortly after a superb fetch by midfielder Tadhg Moody, a great run forward by James Madden paved the way for a McCabe point, while Keegan judiciously opted to fist over for his third.

Leech tried his luck with an ambitious goal attempt, but Tubberclair netminder Kevin Fagan saved with a degree of comfort and the side managed by Daniel Sammon and Keith Higgins held on.

Man of the match: Sean Claffey (Tubberclair). A strong case could be made for Eoghan McCabe, who finished with 0-11 including four two-pointers. But it's very difficult to overlook the sheer industry of midfielder Claffey, who was relentless throughout, both on and off the ball. For Killucan, Devin Hill and Sami Clarke led the way with 2-9 between them, while Sean Leech had some good moments.

What it means: With maximum points from three games, Tubberclair are well placed to take one of the three qualification places up for grabs. Killucan are still in contention and they look certain to provide stiff tests to their next two opponents, Athlone and Moate All Whites.

Talking point: The change to this year's championship format - with three teams now qualifying from both sections - is a major plus. The greater jeopardy in Section A was badly needed and the fact that three teams will also qualify from Section B adds to the excitement.

Scorers - Tubberclair: E McCabe 0-11 (3tp, 1tpf, 2f); K Connell 1-2; P Keegan 0-3; F Kelleher 0-2 (tp); S Claffey and F Duffy 0-1 each. Killucan: D Hill 1-5 (1tp); S Clarke 1-4 (1-0 pen, 0-1 45); S Quinn 1-0; E Cunneen and E Ahearn 0-1 each.

Tubberclair - Kevin Fagan; Stephen McGonagle, Kyle Fagan, Taylor Slevin; Tom Kelleher, James Madden, Kevin Claffey; Tadhg Moody, Sean Claffey; Paul Keegan, Kealan Connell, Eoghan McCabe; Finn Duffy, Fred Kelleher, Robbie Curley. Subs: Paul Garvey for Curley (44 mins); Oisín O’Meara for Duffy (49).

Killucan - David Bryan; Andrew Flood, Matthew Shaw, Luke Darby; Rory Keyes, Darren Finn, Calum McKeogh; Joey Boyle, Sean Leech; Robbie Greville, Eamon Cunneen, Sean Quinn; Eoghan Ahearn, Sami Clarke, Devin Kill. Subs: Cormac McKeogh for Boyle (inj.,); Gary Greville for Calum McKeogh (49 mins); Cormac Boyle for Cunneen (52).

Referee - Paul McCaughey (Milltown).