South West Antrim Under 16 Hurling final

St Enda’s who beat Tir na nÓg in the South West B final in Ballymena.

St Enda’s 3-13 Tir na nÓg 1-17 (AET)

Three points in second half of extra time by midfielder Brian Rogers earned St Enda’s victory over Tir na nÓg Randalstown in Sunday’s final of the South West Antrim Under 16 final at Quinn Park, Ballymena on Sunday. Tir na nÓg appeared to be in a strong position when they turned around at half time in extra time with a one point lead, and when Conor O’Rawe increased that lead to two a minute after the restart the trophy appeared to be heading to Randalstown. However St Enda’s, who had been reduced to fourteen men at this stage, showed great character and three points on the trot from placed ball (two 65s and one free) put the Glengormley boys ahead with time almost up, and Emmet Burns sealed a two point win with the last puck of the game.

I a thrilling game of hurling the sides were deadlocked at half time with Tir na nÓg knocking over seven point and St Enda’s reply with 1-4, the goal coming from Ciaran McCreight.

During an exciting second half the teams matched each other point for point until the last ten minutes. Tir na nÓg appeared to gain the upper hand as they went three clear with just two minutes remaining but Declan Breen set up full forward McCreight for his team second goal of the game. Tir na nÓg needed a quick response and it came within thirty seconds when Josh Higgins caught the puck-out and his delivery from distance went all the way to the St Enda’s net.

St Enda’s appeared to be beaten but Niall O’Connor came to the rescue when he fired in a goal from a free to take the game to extra time.

That extra time was as pulsating as what came before and when Tir na nÓg when two up early in the second period the appeared to be home and hosed. However Brian Rogers came to the Saints rescue with three outstanding points and Burns sealed it with the last action of the game.

St Enda’s

Pearse Rodgers, Dara Maguire, Oran McRuagain, Cathal Morgan, Ryan McCloskey, Owen Kenneddy, Conor McNicholl, Nial O’Connor, Brian Rogers, Declan Breen, Emmet Burns, Pol Magee, Michael Devenny, Ciarnan McCreight, Oscar Smyth.

Tír na nÓg

Dominic Martin, Oliver McAtamney, Ricardo Cozcapy, Adam Reid, Brandon McLarnon, Ciaran O’Neill, Conor McCamphill, Eamon Og McAllister, Justina Venckus, Joshua Higgins, Conor O’Rawe, Ethan Higgins, Emmet Murray, Kevin Brady, Brian Fitzgerald.

Referee – Vincent Boyle (Dunloy)

Pics below by Dessie O’Neill, Tir na nÓg