Cushendall retain Feile title in thriller

Antrim Feile na nGael – Under 15 Hurling

Cushendall Ruairi Og 3-2 Loughgiel Shamrocks 2-2

Cushendall retained their Feile na nGael hurling title when they held off the challenge of Loughgiel in a fantastic final at Dunsilly on Saturday evening. Both team had won all their games during the day in the qualifying stages, Cushendall were based in the Glens while Loughgiel were in Belfast and so both went through to the final unbeaten.

Cushendall made a great start and a goal from Fergal McCambridge and two points from Shane McQuillan and Dylan McNaughton to lead by 1-2 to 0-0, but Loughgiel fought back to level by half time with a brilliantly taken goal by full forward Caolan McCollum and two points from Liam McGarry.

Half time – Cushendall 1-2 Loughgiel 1-2

Just as in the first half Cushendall were first to strike at the start of the second, and a goal from Nicholas McLaughlin put them back on top. When Conlith McNaughton got in for Cushendall’s third goal soon afterwards it all appeared to be over, buy Loughgiel hit back right away and a goal from Logan McConville breathed new life into their challenges. It was hearts in the mouth stuff as the Shamrocks searched for an equaliser. They came very close when the ball was cleared off the Cushendall goal line after a good stop by the keeper and the boys in maroon managed to hold on until the final whistle.

There was one really heart-warming incident near the end of the game when Loughgiel’s centre back Eunan Johnston was being chased by Ruairi Og full back Charlie McAlister. Eunan went down with cramp but instead of continuing to chase the ball Charlie dropped his hurl and went to assist Eunan’s in his hour of need, a fantastic sporting gesture which will long be remembered by those who witnessed it.