Gaelic Games

Mount Leinster Rangers create history in Newry

Win over Loughgiel sees a Carlow club reach senior club final for first time

Mount Leinster Rangers’ Derek Byrne in action during the All-Ireland club senior hurling semi-final against Loughgiel Shamrocks at Páirc Esler in Newry. Photograph: Inpho/Presseye
Mount Leinster Rangers’ Derek Byrne in action during the All-Ireland club senior hurling semi-final against Loughgiel Shamrocks at Páirc Esler in Newry. Photograph: Inpho/Presseye
Sat Feb 08 2014 - 20:04

Mount Leinster Rangers 0-18 Loughgiel Shamrocks 2-11: Mount Leinster Rangers created a little bit of history in Newry on Saturday afternoon as they saw off Antrim's Loughgiel Shamrocks by a single point to become the first Carlow side to make the final of the AIB All-Ireland club senior hurling final.

In the end it was closer than Mount Leinster would have preferred as Loughgiel fought their way back from a four-point deficit at half-time. Even after having Mark McFadden sent off for a second yellow card, the Antrim side had a chance to force extra time when awarded a free well into injury time, but Liam Watson’s effort was off target.

Mount Leinster will now face three-times champions Portumna after the Galway champions beat Limerick's Na Piarsaigh 1-15 to 1-11 at Semple Stadium in Thurles.

Joe Canning was yet again the star marksman for Portumna, knocking over nine points, seven of which were frees.

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Portumna will go forward to the final on St Patrick’s Day at Croke Park as overwhelming favourites having previously been to four finals, winning the title in 2006, 2008 and 2009 before their bid for three-in-a-row was ended by Ballyhale Shamrocks in 2010.