MacRory Cup semi-final
St. Mary’s Magherafelt 1-10 Omagh CBS 1-7
A goal from Cargin’s Conhuir Johnston in the 52nd minute proved the vital score as St. Mary’s Magherafelt turned in a strong performance to defeat Omagh CBS in the MacRory Cup semi-final at the Athletic Grounds last night.
Johnston and his Erin’s Own colleague’s, Benen Kelly and Tom Shivers played vital roles as the Convent recovered from a shaky start to outscore the Tyrone side with Johnston’s goal the score that finally put the Omagh challenge to bed while Kelly certainly played his part with a converted ‘45’ and another from play that sailed over via the crossbar.
It was Omagh CBS that got off to the brighter start when Conor McGillion fired to the net in the third minute after taking an inch perfect pass from Oisin Gormley before rounding his marker and firing to the St. Mary’s net.
Caolan Donnelly added a point as Omagh enjoyed early supremacy but Conhuir Johnston settled the Convent with a great point and another from Ryan Donnelly closed the gap to the minimum after being set up by Eoin McEvoy.
It was Omagh who were enjoying the better of the exchanges at this stage however and both Simon Matterson and Ruairi Forbes came to the St. Mary’s rescue with vital goal preventing blocks but Ronan Strain and Eoin McElholm added point to move the CBS three ahead.
Magherafelt might have been back on terms moments later when a good build up saw Niall O’Donnell in on goal but his effort was well saved by Omagh keeper, McAnearney before Cahir Quinn settled for a point from the follow-up.
Johnston’s Cargin colleague, Benen Kelly then pointed a ‘45’ before Ruairi Forbes followed with another from play to bring the side’s level and it looked anybody’s game approaching half time.
Late exchanges from McGillion for Omagh and Quinn for St. Mary’s left it level at half time, 1-4 to 0-7 and all to play for in the second half.
Both defences dominated during the opening stages of the second half though the Magherafelt side looked in for a goal with only three minutes gone but Benen Kelly’s well struck effort clipped the crossbar as it sailed over.
Ryan McEldowney added a point to move St. Mary’s two in front but McGillion replied for the Tyrone side but it was Magherafelt who were starting to edge the exchanges and when Johnston got in for an excellent goal the momentum was very much with Kevin Brady’s side.
Omagh pressed in the closing stages but the St. Mary’s defence stood strong with Omagh CBS having to settle for late points from Conor Owens and McGillion as the Convent advanced to the final with three to spare.
The St. Mary’s side once again have a strong representation from South West Antrim with Moneyglass man, Kevin Brady manager of the side and Conhuir Johnston, Benen Kelly and Tom Shivers from Cargin, Sean Byrne from Portglenone and Paul Duffin from Moneyglass all important member of the Magfherafelt squad.
