While there was general apathy toward the International Rules Series at the weekend, some of our best hurlers were in action Stateside in Notre Dame.
The Celtic Champions Classic Super Hurling 11s Exhibition game to give the full title saw Leinster claim the Galway Crystal Cup on a scoreline of 51-41 in front of 2,500 spectators at the Arlotta Stadium.
The novel 11-a-side game saw Leinster hold a comfortable 31-9 interval lead thanks to four first half goals from Shane Dooley, proving no matter the game or rules, he just can’t be kept off the scoresheet.
Speaking of rules, goals can range in value from three points to six depending on where and how the strike is taken (extra points are awarded for first-time striking). Three points is awarded for a goal scored within the defensive zone (16 metres), five for a goal scored from outside the zone. A bonus point is awarded for a goal struck on the volley (4 from within zone, 6 from outside).
Yes, a defensive zone in our ancient game.
Munster rallied in the second half and while it was only an exhibition game, the players had been preparing for two months and it was a competitive affair, with referee Alan Kelly issuing three yellow cards in the third quarter with the game threatening to spill over.
A Lar Corbett goal looked to bring Munster back into it, but Richie Hogan found the net with a five pointer and Leinster ran out 10 point winners.
LEINSTER: J Skehill, J Tyrrell, JJ Delaney, T Walsh, L Rushe, L Chin, A Harte, C Parlon, D O'Callaghan, R Hogan, N Healy, N McManus, J Guiney S Dooley. Management: M Fogarty, M Kenny.
MUNSTER: N Quaid, D O'Grady, J Ryan, G O'Mahony, G Mulcahy, P O'Brien, T Condon, D Hannon, W McNamara, E Kelly, L Corbett, P Maher, P Curran, S O'Sullivan. Management: D O'Grady, T Barry.
