Antrim Hurling League Division 2
Glenariffe Oisin 0-12 Robert Emmet’s Cushendun 4-19
Cushendun scored a major victory over league leaders, and hitherto unbeaten, Glenariffe in Waterfoot on Wednesday evening when they overpowered the Oisins in what turned out to be a one sided game. However the main talking point at the end of the game was the injury to Emmet’s left half back Matthew McCartin who was injured in what appeared to be an accidental collision with just two minutes of normal time left for play. It soon became clear the seriousness of the injury and after consultation with the team managers referee Mark O’Neill sensibly called and early halt to the game. The player was treated by his team’s physiotherapists and lay on the pitch for nearly an hour before an ambulance arrived. The good news is that later in the evening there were reports that he was sitting up and talking in his hospital bed. We all wish Matthew a speedy recovery and hope we will see him back in action in the not too distant future.
With seven wins from seven in the league campaign to date the Oisins went into the game as clear favourites, though it had to be noted that Cushendun had looked very impressive when beating Cloney Gaels last time out. They were on the scoreboard early when Matthew McCartin hit the opening point, and though Alex O’Boyle came back with a point for Glenariffe on five minutes, two inside a minute from Conor McHugh and Sean McKay put the visitors 0-03 to 0-01 clear.
Glenariffe kept well in touch with points from Alex O’Boyle and James Kearney but the Emmet’s were gaining the upper hand and in the next ten minutes they hit a goal and six points while just conceding a single point. Sean McKay started the run with the goal while ‘Loaf’ McNeill hit three points and Tom Scally, Calum Kilgore and McKay one apiece. Three pointed frees from the Oisins top scorer Alex O’Boyle closed the gap nearing half time but Cushenun ended the half strongly and a goal from a McNeill penalty, a point from a free by the same player and one from play by Sean McKay sent them in at the break leading by 2-12 to 0-07.
When McNeill opened the second half with a goal and a point inside three minutes it was clear the Oisins were in trouble, and so it proved as they struggled for scores. Cushendun on the other hand kept the scoreboard ticking over, Loaf McNeill leading the charge with a series of scores from play and from frees, completing his hat-trick midway through the half to seal the win.
These two meet again in the opening round of the Intermediate Champions in July, in Cushendun and while the Emmet’s will probably start favourites after this result, Glenariffe will be forewarned of the task that lies ahead and with two or three players back for that game they will be up for the challenge.
Glenariffe
Paul McMullan, Patrick McIlwaine, Niall Murray, Cailin Devlin, Brogan O’Connor, Niall Magee, James Kearney, Odhran Gillan, Oliver Kearney, Donal Kearney, Conor Patterson, Michael O’Boyle, Alex O’Boyle, Seanie McIntosh, Orrin O’Conor.
Cushendun
John V Morgan, Pearse McKeegan, Archie McSparran, Andrew Breslin, Callum Kilgore, Doal O’Hara, Jack McKay, Matthew McCartin, Aidan McSparran, Thomas Scally, Sean McKay, Conor McHugh, Conlaoth McNeill, Dominic McQuillan, Conrad McDonnell.
Referee – Mark O’Neill
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