'Blayney complete Monaghan SHC three-in-a-row

Castleblayney's Declan Hughes and Padraig McGahon of Inniskeen ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Castleblayney have been crowned Monaghan senior hurling champions for the third year in-a-row following a 2-17 to 1-13 victory over Truagh at Gavin Duffy Park.

First half goals from Thomas Hughes and Brian McGuigan set the holders up for the win, while Leo Moloney’s contribution of 0-9 (six frees and one ’65) also proved crucial.

Hughes’ one-handed strike gave the winners an early 1-5 to 0-2 advantage. McGuigan and Truagh’s David Carville traded further goals as ‘Blayney took a 2-10 to 1-8 lead into the break.

With Conor Boyle firing 0-6, Truagh got back to within two points in the third quarter, but the experience of Jimmy Lacey’s told as they saw it out, with Mark Treanor’s insurance point sparking familiar celebrations at the final whistle.