Connacht and Leinster take hurling victories

Leinster and Connacht claimed wins in the M Donnelly Interprovincial semi-finals this afternoon.

Leinster saw off Munster by four points in an entertaining clash in Nowlan Park.

First-half goals from Michael Fennelly, Joe Bergin and Richie Power (penalty) saw Leinster lead 3-08 to 0-08 at the break.

John Conlon found the net for Munster in the second period with Pa Horgan, John Gardiner and Patrick Donnellan amongst their point scorers to further reduce the deficit.

However, scorers from Power and Colin Fennelly, part of the very large Kilkenny contingent in the Leinster side, seal the victory by 3-14 to 1-16.

Anthony Cunningham ensured he had a weekend to remember as he led Connacht to victory over Ulster.

Iarlaith Tannion’s goal gave the Westeners a 1-08 to 0-08 lead at the interval. Neil McManus had contributed 0-02 for Ulster before being dismissed for a second yellow card.

Despite the red card, the teams were level after 45 minutes when Cathal Carville pointed, but a goal from Davy Glennon put Connacht in command.

Cormac Donnelly’s penalty gave Ulster hope but Eanna Ryan made sure of the win for Connacht and Niall Healy, Ryan and the impressive Tannion added gloss to it for a 3-19 to 1-15 win.