Hurling for Hunger Cup Final:
St John’s 0-26 vs. St Gall’s 1-20
at the Bog Meadows
Despite missing a good fe regulars, Antrim Senior Champions St John’s relied on their experience and the dead-ball accuracy of Oisin McManus to edge out Belfast neighbours St Gall’s in a highly entertaining Hurling for Hunger pre-season final at the Bog Meadows on Sunday.
St Gall’s, who compete in the Intermediate Championship and Division 2, punched well above their weight. Refusing to be intimidated by the county champions, they delivered a stellar performance that went right down to the wire, ultimately falling just three points short by the final whistle.
The champions started brightly, registering two quick points in the opening minute through a James Wilson strike from play and the first of many Oisin McManus frees. St Gall’s settled quickly, however, with Dubhaltach Wilson opening their account in the 3rd minute.
What followed was a tit-for-tat opening quarter. Mark Napier proved a constant threat for St Gall’s, splitting the posts from play and from frees to keep his side right in the mix. Whenever St John’s threatened to pull away—buoyed by points from Tomas Adams and a magnificent long-range effort from Man of the Match Caolan Wilson inside his own half—St Gall’s found an answer.
Michael Marlow and Dubhaltach Wilson slotted crucial points for the challengers, but a late flurry from St John’s, featuring points from Aaron Bradley and a pair of McManus frees, ensured the Senior champions took a 0-13 to 0-10 advantage into the dressing room.
St Gall’s came out roaring after the restart. Fergus Donnelly ignited their second-half charge with an immediate point, and despite a response from St John’s full-forward Michael Bradley, the Intermediate side hit a purple patch. Donnelly struck again from distance, and Dubhaltach Wilson added another to tie the game up at 14 points apiece by the 9th minute.
When Mark Napier brought St Gall’s level in the 11th minute, an upset looked distinctly possible and when St Gall’ grabbed a great goal through Dubhaltach Wilson in the 24th minute they were back in contention.
However, true champions don’t panic. St John’s responded immediately with a phenomenal long-range point into the breeze from center-back Conall Morgan. Down the stretch, the game opened up in a frenetic climax. Napier and Ewan Rush kept the scoreboard ticking for St Gall’s, but St John’s dug deep. Caolan Wilson added another crucial point, and Oisin McManus held his nerve, punishing St Gall’s indiscipline with flawless free-taking.
The champions finished strong and sealed another piece of silverware, securing with a hard-fought three-point victory.
TO SEE MORE PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
https://myalbum.com/album/HSfjmiZkJFzc7G/?invite=e5b1f6e3-870a-4a27-b3be-bfe7af227554
St John’s:
- Simon Doherty, 2. G McKinney, 3. Adrian Downey, 4. Daire King, 5. Caolan Wilson, 6. Conall Morgan, 7. Enda McGurk, 8. Sean Wilson, 9. James Wilson, 10. Aaron Bradley, 11. Oisin McManus, 12. David Robinson, 13. Donal Carson, 14. Michael Bradley, 15. Tomas Adams. (Sub noted: 20. Fergal McManus)
St Gall’s:
- Sean McAreavey, 2. Eoghan McCurdy, 3. Daniel Churchill, 4. Jack Hopkins, 5. Gaire Mac Adhaimh, 6. Paddy Friel, 27. Michael Marlow, 8. Ewan Rush, 10. Fergus Donnelly, 11. Jackson McGreevy, 22. Dubhaltach Wilson, 13. Nial Fallon, 14. Oran McIhaatton, 15. Mark Napier.
