McMullan Cup – North Antrim Under 15 Hurling Championship

Loughgiel 2-14 Cushendall 1-7

Loughgiel pulled off a shock win in Sunday’s McMullan Cup semi-final at Fr Healy Park when they beat county champions and All Ireland Feile winners Cushendall Ruairi Og.

The Shamrocks had suffered defeat to their opponents this season in the League, Feile and Championship and though Cushendall were short a couple of regulars they were still favourites going into the game. Loughgiel started strongly and were 1-4 to 0-0 ahead after eight minutes, the goal coming from Oisin Connolly in the eighth minute while Ryan O’Boyle (3) and Dan O’Mullan got the points.

Cushendall got off the mark with a point from Fintan Bradley in the twelfth minute, but Loughgiel hit back with two quick points from Caolan McCollum and Liam McGarry to lead by 1-6 to 0-1 at the end of the opening quarter. The Shamrocks continued to hold the upper hand and with the breeze at their backs they added further points through Ryan O’Boyle, Dan O’Mullan, Conan Johnston and Eddie Smyth, in reply to two from Fintan McKillop and Oran McCambridge for Cushendall, to lead by 1-11 to 0-3 at the interval.

There was renewed hope for Cushendall when they started the second half strongly with two pointed Fintan Bradly frees and one each from play by Fintan McKillop and Callagh Mooney to close the gap to seven. However the comeback ended midway through the second half when Ryan O’Boyle fired a free to the Cushendall net, and when he added a point soon afterwards the eleven point cushion was restored. A goal from Daire Higgins briefly lifted Cushendall spirits, but Loughgiel closed out the win with two pointed frees from Eddie Smyth to book a place in the final against Glenariffe-Glenravel.