Mc Caughan Cup – N.Antrim Junior Hurling
CAREY 2-13 SHANE O NEILLS 1-17
By Molly McGee – Pics by Ann Gillan of AG Photography
This high scoring encounter played in Cushendun, was in the balance right until the 63rd minute. Carey started well with 2 points from centre-half Darren McGowan followed by three pointed frees from Conor McBride, Glenarm seemed to be struggling in the opening quarter but a Barry Hamill goal followed by two Darren Hamill points left it all square. Carey regained the lead with Gerard McBride, Cathal McAuley and Conor McBride splitting the posts, but the east Antrim men kept in touch with Daniel Black, Paddy McAuley and Jake Hamilton points. The men from the east took a three point lead approaching half- time through 3 Darren Hamill scores, but a brilliant Daniel (danger) Martin goal on the stroke of half-time left the sides 1-8 to 1-9 in favour of the Glenarm men.
The 2nd half continued in a similar vein, Shane O’Neill’s strengthened the lead through Black, Hamill and Sean O’Hare scores, but points from McBride, McLaughlin and Martin kept Carey in touch. However Shane O’Neills were starting to control the middle of the field and substitute Dylan McLaughlin, sent over 3 unanswered points, but a goalmouth scramble at the other and ended up with the ball in the Glenarm net after Cathal McAuley got the last touch. With both sides exchanging scores it looked like extra time was on the menu, but a late Darren Hamill free nudged his side to the semi-final against Cloughmills.
