Featured Image: Colla McDonnell whoes hat-trick helped St. Mary’s Ahoghill to an important win over St. James’ Aldergrove in Crumlin

St. James’ Aldergrove 2-15 (21) — 4-15 (27) St. Mary’s Ahoghill

St. Mary’s Ahoghill kept their promotion hopes firmly on track with a high-octane away victory over fellow contenders St. James’ Aldergrove. In a remarkable ACFL Division 2 clash that produced six goals, the visitors’ blistering first-half performance and hat-trick heroics from Colla McDonnell proved to be the difference.

First-Half Blitz
Ahoghill signalled their intent from the off, racing into a commanding 2-11 to1-03 lead by the half-time whistle. Colla McDonnell was the tormentor-in-chief, netting both of Ahoghill’s first-half majors. Their point-taking was equally sharp, with James O’Connell (0-4) and Dan O’Neill (0-3) leading the way, supported by white flags from Noel Crossey, Patrick Graham, and CollaMcDonnell. Aldergrove stayed in touch during the opening period thanks to a Conor Browning goal and points from Ryan McCarthy (0-2) and CormacMcGarry.

The Grandstand Finish
The game transformed into a wide-open shootout after the break. Aldergrove emerged with renewed vigour, and when Ryan McCarthy found the net in the 9th minute of the half, a massive comeback looked on the cards. The home side hit a purple patch with points from Conor Browning, Fergal Burke, Brian McQuillan, and Ryan Owens, threatening to overhaul the heavy half-time deficit.

However, Ahoghill’s clinical edge returned just in time to quell the rebellion. James O’Connell calmed nerves by smashing home a penalty in the 23rd minute, followed by a clinical finish from Colla McDonnell in the 28th minute to complete a spectacular hat-trick. Late points from Patrick Dougan, Patrick Graham, and James O’Connell ensured the Clooney men stayed out of reach. The result keeps Ahoghill within touching distance of league leaders NaomhÉanna.