South West Feile A (final)
Erin’s Own Cargin 8-11 All Saint’s Ballymena 1-02
Erin’s Own Cargin retained the South West Feile title in stylish fashion when they proved too strong for a gallant All Saint’s side in a repeat of the 2018 decider at Clooney on Sunday evening.
The Toome lads made intentions clear in the opening half and with the outstanding Conhuir Johnston leading a slick offensive they had moved 1-06 to 0-00 ahead by the end of the opening quarter.
Ciaran Mc Quillan did find the net for the Ballymena lads as the short whistle approached but Cargin were good value for their 2-09 to 1-01 interval advantage.
Centre forward Ben McLarnon had the first score with an opening minute point supplemented in kind by similar scores from Conhuir Johnston and Ryan O’ Neill.
The All Saint’s offensive unit spearheaded by Ciaran Mc Quillan had been thwarted in their intentions to open account and find the net by an excellent save from the Cargin net minder Brogan McNally who continued to stand tall throughout.
Conhuir Johnston who scored 5-6 as Erin’s Own Cargin defeated All Saints in the feile final in Ahoghill on Sunday evening
A well laid 6th minute counter led by Ciaran McPeake concluded when Conhuir Johnston danced around the All Saint’s defence to cross for Diarmuid Quinn to finish to the back of the net and when Cahir O’ Boyle, Conhuir Johnston and Ben Mc Larnon followed with white flags they were 1-06 to 0-00 ahead.
The All Saint’s net minder Lewis Devlin made an excellent save to deny Conhuir Johnston from the penalty spot when the full forward was fouled inside the area on his way to the target.
All Saint’s did get on to the board in the 11th minute as the hard grafting Ryan Thom sent Ciaran Mc Quillan in for a point. The resultant kick out was claimed by Charlie McCann who linked up with Cahir O’ Boyle to forward for Conhuir Johnston to deliver post haste to the back of the net.
All Saints were rewarded for their efforts when Ciaran McQuillan dispatched the ball to the back of the net through a packed goal mouth after Lewis White delivered from the right hand side to give some hope. Points from Ben McLarnon, and Conhuir Johnston ensured a 2-09 to 1-01 advantage for the Erin’s Own lads at half time and it was as good as over even at this stage.
All Saint’s began the second half assisted by the breeze but their initial offensive saw Ciaran McQuillan foiled as the excellent Cargin full back Hugh O’ Donnell made interception.
Cargin replied with another Conhuir Johnston pointed free and the trend established in the opening period was set to continue.
Despite the gallant efforts of the Ballymena boys who were to endure a body blow as their strong mid fielder Ryan Thom was forced to limp out of the action, the Cargin rearguard stood tall in denying All Saints penetration.
The impressive Conhuir Johnston added two further goals as he was placed by Charlie McCann and again when Callum Gribbin and Cahir O’ Boyle contrived to open the way for another.
The Toome lads had moved 4-10 to 0-01 ahead and the end looked in sight.
All Saint’s did muster their efforts to claim a further point via Ciaran McQuillan but the faint flicker of hope was quickly quelled again as the Cargin lads pressed hard on the accelerator.
Despite already residing in the calm water of surety the Conhuir Johnston led Erin’s Own Greens continued in the quest for more scores.
Immaculate full back Hugh O’ Donnell came forward to make interception and combine with Callum Gribbin and Cahir O’ Boyle to see Conhuir Johnston open the way for Diarmuid Quinn to bag another goal.
It was much a case of backs to the wall for the All Saint’s lads but despite the gallantry of their efforts they were being hard pressed to stem the never ending tide of green and white.
Conhuir Johnston bagged a point followed by a goal and then the full forward strode forward after rising high to collect a Charlie Mc Cann delivery to send replacement Jack O’ Neill in to snatch a super goal.
The hugely impressive full forward had the last say in proceedings when he raced through to find the net again to see his side conclude with an 8-11 to 1-02 winning scoreline and the South West feile title was bound for Toome.
Cargin: Brogan McNally, Patrick Matchick, Hugh O’ Donnell, Jack Harney, Callum Gribbin, Ciaran Mc Peake, Charlie Mc Cann, Cian Scullion, Cahir O’ Boyle (0-01), Ben Mc Larnon (0-03), Ryan O’ Neill (0-01), Diarmuid Quinn (2-00), Conhuir Johnston (5-06), Daniel Mc Cann
Subs
Carl Mc Cann
Jack O’ Neill (1-00)
Eoin Scullion
Fiontan O’ Donnell
All Saint’s: Lewis Devlin, Oliver O’ Rawe, Kevin O’ Boyle, Conor O’ Hara, Archie Mc Greevey, Aiden Mc Garry, Harry Cunning, Pearce Martin, Ryan Thom, Lewis White, Conor Neil, Daniel Kelly, Ryan Laverty, Ciaran Mc Quillan (1-02)
Subs
Sean Mc Dermott
Carter Reid
Referee Paul Lagan (Casement’s)
Columb Walsh, CCC Chairman presents the Feile A Cup to cargin captain, Charlie McCann