GAA News

This might not make sense to you at first, but it’s the truth: There were wins for Leinster, Connacht, Ulster and Munster in the semi-finals of the annual Interprovincial Series around Ireland on Sunday afternoon.

Leinster and Connacht were the winners in the hurling version of the M Donnelly Interprovincial Hurling Championship semi-finals, with the eastern province edging out Munster by four points (3-14 to 1-16) at Nowlan Park and the westerners as expected easing past Ulster at Ballinasloe.

Three first half goals helped Leinster into a commanding position, with Kilkenny pair Michael Fennelly and Richie Power and Offaly’s Joe Bergin hitting the net. John Conlon from Clare pulled a goal back for Munster but they never looked likely to bridge the gap.

Galway trio Iarla Tannian, Davy Glennon and Eanna Ryan scored the goals in a 3-19 to 1-15 win for Connacht, although Ulster had given it a right shot despite the sending off of key Antrim forward Neil McManus for two bookings.

In the football version, Munster edged out Leinster at Dublin’s Parnell Park, eventually winning by 1-16 to 1-13.

Despite the presence of ten All-Ireland winning Dubliners in the Leinster panel, the visitors got off to a flier with Waterford’s Gary Hurney hitting the net to help them into a 1-4 to 0-0 lead.

A goal from Laois star Cahir Healy gave Leinster renewed hope but they couldn’t bridge the gap, with Clare’s David Tubridy top-scoring for Munster with six points on the day.

In the other semi-final, at Markievicz Park, Sligo, Ulster had an easy win over their Connacht opponents. Tyrone pair Peter Harte and Martin Penrose and Down’s Mark Poland scored the goals in a 3-16 to 0-11 win.

Sunday’s GAA results:

M Donnelly Interprovincial Series – Hurling semi-finals:

Leinster 3-14 Munster 1-16
Connacht 3-19 Ulster 1-15

M Donnelly Interprovincial Series – Football semi-finals:

Munster 1-16 Leinster 1-13
Ulster 3-16 Connacht 0-13