U15B Football semi-final
Kickham’s Ardoyne 2-06 Erin’s Own Cargin 2-08
Photographs: Brian McKee
Late points by Fiontan O’ Donnell and Fiontan Hardy proved enough to ensure Erin’s Own, Cargin claimed a place in the final of the under-15B football championship at the expense of a gallant Ardoyne side in a close semi-final encounter at Fennell Park on Thursday evening.
The Toome side started the game as favourites after a win over their near neighbours Creggan but in the event they had to dig deep and retain focus in the last few minutes to gain passage against a determined home side.
Ardoyne had the best of all starts to proceedings and went ahead through an early goal despatched in style by Caolan Hardy after their visitors had missed earlier opportunity.
A strong Ciaran O’ Neill advance and a cool finish in the 4th minute by the full forward ensured loud cheers of acknowledgement from the home support as the Kickham’s extended their lead.
Cargin opened their account through a Jack O’ Neill pointed free in the 7th minute and this was followed by another from Fiontan Hardy a couple of minutes later and the strong running corner man followed with another shortly after in answer to a fine point at the other end from Caolan Hardy.
A close encounter from the contestants with both well served by stout defending with full back Aiden Mailey prominent in the home side rear guard and Darragh Mc Auley prominent from the outset in the Cargin defence.
The visitors were to claim first time advantage when a cute Jack O’ Neill off load opened the way for Cillian Scullion to find the net and a late Carl McCann point ensured a 1-04 to 1-01 interval advantage for the visitors.
Ardoyne keeper, Oisin Copeland had been called to action in the latter minutes of the half to deny Cargin a second goal, tipping a Fiontan Hardy strike wide of the posts.
Having started the semi-final with an early score the North Belfast side started the second half with the same gusto, and back to back points from wing back Aodhan Quigg and corner forward Barry Mc Kervey ensured only a point separated the sides.
Ardoyne were on top at mid-field at this stage but a fine intervention from Patrick O’Neill and a deft delivery right into the corner of the net saw his side claim a four point lead at the 35th minute.
Cargin were reduced to 14 shortly after as Niall Quinn was issued Black and ten minutes in the sin bin and back came the home side with back to back points from corner forward Barry McKervey and strong running mid fielder Ciaran O’ Neill and they looked to be back in business.
Little separated the sides as the second half progressed but a couple of points from Fiontan Hardy gave Cargin some breathing space as Niall Quinn’s term in solitude ended and he was soon back in the thick of the action.
Erin’s Own had a three point advantage as the game clock neared completion but in the event the home side were far from finished and with only a few minutes remaining they had nicked advantage.
A subtle cross from the strong running Donal McAlea was finished to the net by replacement Fionnlach Mc Cullagh and when James Og Mc Auley added a point the home side were on terms and a period of extra time looked probable.
In the event Cargin responded positively as Fiontan Hardy and Fiontan O’ Donnell combined for the former to grab a 60th minute point.
The visitors had the final say as Fiontan Hardy despatched a 63rd minute free between the posts to ensure a place in the final where they will meet Gort na Mona who defeated All Saints in the other semi-final.
Gort na Mona gained passage to the final with 4-09 to 4-07 win gained at the expense of All Saint’s at Enright park on the same evening.
Ardoyne: Oisin Copeland, Ruairi Teague, Aidan Mailey, Thomas Mc Kinney, Aodhan Quigg, Ciaran Lopez, Darragh Mc Guire, Ciaran O’ Neill (0-01), Seamus O’ Neill, Caolan Turley, James og Mc Auley, Caolan Mc Kenna (0-01), Barry Mc Kervey (0-02), Caolan Hardy (1-01), Connell Mc Larnon
Subs
Fionnlach Mc Cullough (1-00),
Donal Mc Alea
Cargin: Conleth Hamill, Darragh Mc Auley, Eoin Scullion, Sean Mc Peake, Ewan Mc Laverty, Fintan O’ Donnell (0-01), Niall Quinn, Jack O’ Neill (0-01), Patrick O’ Neill (1-00), Ryan Mc Peake, Carl Mc Cann (0-01), Seannie Hazard, Cillian Scullion (1-00), Darragh O’ Boyle, Fiontan Hardy (0-05)
Subs
Sean Og Bovill for R Mc Peake
Referee: Sean Toal (St. Patrick’s Lisburn)
