Oisins put the Emmet’s celebrations on hold

O’Neill Sportswear Hurling League – Division 2

Oisins 2-13 Emmet’s 2-10

Cushendun Emmet’s travelled to Glenariffe on Sunday knowing that a win or a draw would seal the Division 2 Hurling title but their celebrations will have to wait for another couple of weeks as the Oisins got the better of their north coast neighbours for the second time this season with a three point win.

Cushendun started brilliantly when Harry Kilgore fired a ball high into the Oisins’ net in the second minute, and when corner forward Colum McKeegan added a second goal nearing the midway stage of the first half that league title appeared to be heading to Mary McBrides.

However a couple of frees from stand in free taker Caolan O’Connor and a great goal from substitute Kieran McKendry saw the home side claw their way back and when both teams headed to the changing rooms at half time just a single point separated them. – Oisins 1-06 Emmet’s 2-4.

***Colm McKeegan celebrates after scoring Cushendun’s second goal***

Caolan O’Connor brought the Oisins level with a point early in the second half, but Emmet’s regained the upper hand when ‘Loaf’ McNeill landed a point from a free and Harry Kilgore hit a real beauty from play. As the tempo of the game increased the Oisins came back to add the next three scores, two of them from Caolan O’Connor frees and one from play by full forward Oliver Kearney to move a point ahead.

Cushendun’s Conrad McDonnell brought his side back on terms with a well taken point from play, but two pointed frees by Caolan O’Connor swung things back in the home side’s favour and when O’Connor lashed a ground ball high into the Emmet’s net the Oisins were in charge. Cushendun dug deep and closed the gap back to a single point as they sent over four without reply, but a great point from Brogan O’Connor from out on the sideline and one from his brother Caolan from a well struck free from distance sealed a three point win for the Oisins and put the Emmet’s celebrations on for another couple of weeks.

***Kieran McKinley celebrates after scoring Oisins opening goal***

In two weeks’ time the Cushendun men host St Gall’s at CushLig an Airgid where a draw or a win would secure Division 2 title. On the same day the Oisins face a tough away challenge at Cloney Gaels. The Glenariffe men can still win the league crown but they would need to beat Cloney Gaels in Ahoghill and hope that St Gall’s can beat the Emmet’s that same day.

Emmet’s are still hot favourites, but it is a great race!