Naomh Úna (St. Agnes’) 1-09 St. Mary’s Ahoghill 1-17
St. Mary’s Ahoghill delivered a professional performance at Woodlands, pulling away in the second half to secure a comprehensive eight-point win over Naomh Úna.
The opening period was a high-octane affair with both sides finding the net. Colla McDonnell gave Ahoghill a flying start with a goal in the 4th minute, while Mark Boyle kept the “Aggies” in contention with a goal of his own at the 24-minute mark. Points from McDonnell (0-2), James O’Connell (0-2), and the Crossey brothers, Noel and Conor (0-1 each), helped the visitors to a three-point lead at the break. Naomh Úna’s first-half resistance was led by Daithi McGaharan (0-2) and Conall Turley (0-1).
Half-time: Naomh Úna 1-03 St. Mary’s Ahoghill 1-06
Ahoghill’s clinical edge told in the second half as they methodically added to their tally. James O’Connell led the charge with four points, while Patrick Graham (0-2) and Colla McDonnell (0-2) also contributed multiple scores. Dan O’Neill, Donal Graham, and Conor Crossey added a point apiece to ensure the visitors remained in total control.
Naomh Úna continued to battle, with Cormac McBride hitting two fine points and Conall Turley, Paddy Toner, and David McGaharan all finding the range. However, they couldn’t claw back the deficit as Ahoghill’s superior point-scoring ability secured a vital two points for the Cloney side.
This win keeps St. Mary’s Ahoghill very much in the promotion race, one point behind league leaders St. Enda’s, and following relegation from division 1 last year the Cloney men could be on course for a quick return to the higher grade.
It’s been a different story for the ‘Aggies’ who were division 3 and Junior Championship winners last year but have yet to register a win in the higher grade. They lost half a dozen players following last year’s success to emigration but there were tentative signs on Wednesday night that first win of the season might not be too far away.
Naomh Úna Scorers: Mark Boyle (1-00), David McGaharan (0-03), Cormac McBride (0-02), Conall Turley (0-02), Paddy Toner (0-01), James Halleron (0-01).
St. Mary’s Ahoghill Scorers: James O’Connell (0-06), Colla McDonnell (1-04), Patrick Graham (0-02), Noel Crossey (0-01), Conor Crossey (0-02), Dan O’Neill (0-01), Donal Graham (0-01).