McAuley Cup Final – Senior Hurling

Dunloy 4-18 Loughgiel 2-12

Dunloy won the McAuley Cup pre-season tournament in Armoy on Sunday when they beat Loughgiel in the final by twelve points. Leading by six at the end of an entertaining opening half, the Cuchullains upped the pace in the second half and with team captain Keelan Molloy leading the line, and corner forward Anton McGrath scoring a hat-trick they pulled away to win by twelve.

Loughgiel goalkeeper Chrrisy O’Connell made a mistake for Dunloy’s second goal, but more than made up for it with a series of excellent saves during the rest of the game, while Declan McCloskey was excellent at centre back.  

Loughgiel started well and a goal from Damian Quinn followed by a point from a free by Maol Connolly but Dunloy hit back and Anton McGrath hit the net at the other end. Barry Scott got a second goal soon afterwards to put Dunloy on top and though Loughgiel kept in touch with a series of excellent points, Anton McGraths’s second goal had the Cuchuallains 3-8 to 1-6 ahead at the break.

After the break Dunloy kept adding to their total as Keelan Molloy and Anton McGrath hit well struck points, as did Nickey McKeague,  while substitute  Ryan Mort was soon on the scorinline. Anton McGrath completed his hat trick after being set up by substitute Aodhan McGarry for Dunloy fourth goal, and while Loughgiel pulled a goal back following a goalmouth scramble Dunloy went on to win with a bit to spare.