U17C Football Championship semi-final

Ardoyne 2-08

Rasharkin 3-06

The hard work being put in by the mentors of St. Mary’s Rasharkin continues to pay dividends and that resurgence in fortunes was again evident on Sunday when they travelled to Fennell Park and defeated a good Kickham’s Ardoyne side in the semi-final of the U17C Minor Football Championship.

Victory looked unlikely during the early exchanges as Rasharkin fell behind early in the 1st half, conceding 2 quick goals, leaving them 7 points down after 20 minutes and the South West side looked badly in need of inspiration.

That inspiration arrived as Rasharkin clicked into gear and started the comeback with goals from Joseph McNeill and Daniel Doherty and points from Oisin Casey and Daniel Doherty to leave Rasharkin leading by 1 point, 2-04 to 2-03 as the half time whistle sounded.

The momentum appeared now to be very much with the visitors as the second half got under way and an early second half goal from Oisin Casey moved them four ahead.

Ardoyne, who had defeated Naomh Padraig, Lisburn in the quarter-final, came back strongly to level the contest and at this stage the Kickham’s looked favourites to push on for victory. Points were exchanged from either team in an exciting finale with the Rasharkin point coming from Cormac McMullan. The loudest cheer of the day came from the Rasharkin faithful who had made the journey to Fennell Park as Daniel Doherty, the coolest man on the field slotted over the winning point from a free and ended a very sporting contest.

In the other semi-final of the U17C championship Tir na nOg recorded a resounding victory over St. Brigid’s B in Creggan, running out 5-9 to 0-7 winners over the Musgrave Park second string.

Rasharkin now meet South West rivals, Tir na nOg, Randalstown in the U17C final in Ballymena on Sunday morning (16th October) at 11-00am

Rasharkin scorers:

Oisin Casey 1-03

Daniel Doherty 1-02

Joseph McNeill 1-00

Cormac McMullan 0-01