ACFL Division One
St Mary’s Ahoghill 1-13 Erin’s Own Cargin 5-18
Reigning county senior champions, Cargin got their league programme off to a positive start when the travelled to Clooney on Saturday evening and returned with a win over St Mary’s Ahoghill.
Ahoghill, now under the guidance of Eamon Brady gave their hosts problems in the opening period and a Ronan Graham goal had closed the gap at one stage but with big Pat Shivers causing problems, the visitors had nipped away to a clear lead at the end of the first period.
The Toome men attacked from the start and a trio of whites raised by the impressive Shivers, Michael Mc Cann and his brother Tomas ensured a good getaway for the visitors.
Tomas Mc Cann nipped in to find the net following a fine Gerard McCann fetch in the 9th minute and Pat Shivers finished to the net after being placed by Michael Mc Cann.
The home side had four points on the board at this stage after both Ronan Graham and James 0’Connell had collected two pointers apiece from back to back free kicks.
Cargin led 2-08 to 0-04 after 21 minutes but when a lofted delivery was finished to the net by Ronan Graham the home side seemed to be getting to grips with their mid-fielder, Danny O’ Neill, and James O’ Connell working hard.
Cargin had other ideas and moving the ball at pace Conan Johnston and Jamie Gribbin combined to open the way for Tom Shivers to add another goal with Pat Shivers following with a point.
Cargin had regained control and Gerard McCann and Tomas McCann combined in stylish approach to open the way for the latter to find the back of the net and ensure a 4-10 to 1-09 interval advantage.
The visitor’s started the second half as they had finished the first with Tomas McCann and Jamie Gribbin raising early white flags.
The Toome men were well on top and Sean Og Quinn and Ronan Gribbin combined to set up Gerard McCann to point before creating the space for Tom Shivers to add a second major.
The visitors had grabbed a firm grip on proceedings as the second period progressed with Ronan Devlin’s men continuing to dominate as James Laverty and Harry O’ Donnell swapped points at either end.
The Gribbin brothers Jamie and Callum added points for the visitors in the latter stages with Neil O’ Connell having the last say with a late point with Cargin breasting the line, first league points secured at 5-18 to 1-13.
Ahoghill: Aodhan Graham, Shea Neeson, Past Dougan, Seamus Mc keever, Fionbar O’ Neill, Diarmuid Graham, Harry O’ Donnell (0-01), James Magee, Ronan Graham (1-04*), Colla Mc Donnell, James O’ Connell (0-04**), Danny O’ Neill (0-01), Neil O’ Connell (0-01), Conor Crossey
Cargin: John Mc Nabb, Sean og Quinn, Kevin O’ Boyle, Conan Johnston (0-01), Ronan Gribbin, Benen Kelly (0-01), James Laverty (0-01), Kevin Mc Shane, Gerard Mc Cann (0-02), John Carron, Tom Shivers (2-02), Jamie Gribbin (0-03), Tomas Mc Cann (1-04), Pat Shivers (1-05), Michael Mc Cann (0-01)
Subs
Callum Gribbin (0-02)
Charlie Mc Cann
Jack Harney
Referee Ray Matthews (Rossa)