Antrim Hurling League Division 1

Cushendall 2-22 Ballygalget 2-07

Venue: Pairc Mhuire, Cushendall

PICS BY SEAN PAUL McKILLOP

Ruairí Óg Cushendall delivered a dominant second-half performance to secure a comprehensive 15-point victory over Ballygalget in this Antrim Hurling League Division 1 clash at Pairc Mhuire. Despite a spirited first-half display from the visitors, which saw them briefly take the lead, Cushendall’s attacking firepower, led by a devastating 2-4 tally from Fintan Bradley, proved too much to handle.

The game began at a frantic pace, with veteran marksman Neil McManus opening the scoring from a free just nine seconds in. Ballygalget’s John McManus replied immediately from play, setting the tone for a tit-for-tat opening period.

Cushendall edged ahead with scores from Callagh Mooney and a massive long-range free from goalkeeper Conor McAllister. Ballygalget stayed well in touch, picking off impressive points from Oisin Coulter, a Marc Fisher free, and another from John McManus to keep the scoreboard tight.

The turning point of the half arrived in the 24th minute. Following an Eoin McDermott point that leveled the game at 0-6 apiece, Ballygalget’s Fearghal Gilmore found the back of the net to stun the hosts and give his side a sudden 1-6 to 0-6 advantage.

However, the Ardsmen’s lead was short-lived. Cushendall responded right away, reeling off four unanswered points before the short whistle. Sean McAuley and Edmond McQuillan found their range, while Neil McManus slotted two crucial late scores (one free, one from play) to send Cushendall into the dressing rooms with a narrow 0-10 to 1-6 lead.

The second half was largely a one-sided affair as Cushendall found another gear. Edmond McQuillan fired over straight from the restart, signaling the beginning of a relentless Ruairí Óg onslaught. Fiontan Bradley quickly added two frees to extend the gap.

Ballygalget managed their only point of the second half in the 38th minute through Brook Byers, but the game was soon put beyond doubt. In the 39th minute, Bradley struck for his first goal of the afternoon. Just four minutes later, the dynamic corner-forward raised his second green flag, completely taking the wind out of Ballygalget’s sails and stretching the lead to 2-13 to 1-7.

Cushendall’s bench also made a significant impact. Thomas McLaughlin, introduced for Christy McNaughton early in the half, registered two fine points from play. EdMcQuillan continued to cause havoc, finishing the day with 0-4, while Neil McManus, Callagh Mooney, Joseph McNaughton, and Austin Birt all tagged on scores to turn the result into a rout.

Deep into stoppage time, Ballygalget substitute Dara Pucci managed to breach the Cushendall defence to grab a late consolation goal, but it was purely academic at that stage.

Scorers for Ruairí Óg Cushendall:

• Fintan Bradley: 2-4 (0-3 frees)
• Neil McManus: 0-5 (0-2 frees)
• Edmond McQuillan: 0-4
• Callagh Mooney: 0-2
• Oisin Birt: 0-2
• Thomas McLaughlin: 0-2
• Conor McAllister: 0-1 (0-1 free)
• Sean McAuley: 0-1
• Joseph McNaughton: 0-1

Scorers for Baile Mhic Uileagóid (Ballygalget):

• Fearghal Gilmore: 1-0
• Dara Pucci: 1-0
• John McManus: 0-2
• Oisin Coulter: 0-1
• Marc Fisher: 0-1 (0-1 free)
• Michael Johnson: 0-1
• Eoin McDermott: 0-1
• Brook Byers: 0-1

Substitutions:

• Cushendall: Thomas McLaughlin for Christy McNaughton (36 mins), Nicholas McLaughlin for Neil McManus (50 mins).
• Ballygalget: Dara Pucci for Michael Johnson (61 mins).