O’Neill Sportswear Antrim Hurling League – Division 2
Cushendun Emmet’s 2-16 Cloney Gaels Ahoghill 0-15
Pics and report by Micky Morgan
Two first half goals from Colm McKeegan proved to be the difference in this ACHL Div 2 game when Cloney Gaels were the visitors to Cushendun.
The Ahoghill men had opened up a four point lead in the first ten minutes, but McKeegan got the Emmetts going with his first goal in the twelfth minute. After a great catch on the edge of the square, he beat Martin Graham in the Ahoghill goals only to see his effort rebound off the crossbar. First to react, McKeegan pulled on the ground and managed to squeeze the sloither under Graham to raise the green flag. Cushendun pushed on, and with Connlaoth McNeill punishing Ahoghill from placed balls, they had opened up a four point lead by the time McKeegan got his second major of the day. Following Aidan McSparran’s high ball into a crowded square, McKeegan rose highest to flick the ball to the back of the Ahoghill net. Both teams added two points apeice in the run in to half time which meant Cushendun took a six point lead in at the interval. (2.09 to 0.09)
Cushendun opened up the second half with two quickfire points from Connor McHugh, the first probably the best score of the day. As Fionnbar O’Neill broke out of the Ahoghill defence, McHugh managed to rob the ball from his hand, and with his back to goal ‘Smiley’ calmly pointed to extend the hosts’ lead.
Ahoghill searched for the goal that would bring them back into it, but the Cushendun defence, led by the impressive Donal O’Hara, were a match to any threat Aghoghill threw at them. With the visitors having an off day in front if the posts, shooting thirteen wides over the hour, and the ever reliable Connlaoth McNeill winning the battle of the free takers, Cushendun saw out the game for a comfortable eight point win.
CUSHENDUN SCORERS
Colm McKeegan 2.02(1 F)
Connlaoth McNeill 0.08 (8 F)
Connor McHugh 0.04
Dominic McQuillian 0.02
Sean McKay 0.01
CLONEY GAELS SCORERS
James O’Connell 0.12 (9F)
Fionnbar O’Neill 0.02
Connor Crossey 0.01
Referee Shane McDonnell, Glenariffe
