Antrim Hurling League – Division 1
Oisins 2-14 Ruairi Og 2-19
PICS BY SEAN TROWLEN
The ‘Red Bay’ Derby returned to the Antrim Hurling League Division 1 calendar with plenty of fire as Ruairi Og, Cushendall made the short trip to Oisins, Glenariffe on Friday evening. While it had been a few years since these neighbors met in league play, Glenariffe’s promotion last season ensured this highly anticipated fixture was back on the map. Despite both sides being depleted, with Cushendall notably missing several key figures due to county commitments, the quality remained high. Ultimately, the experience of Ruairi Og, especially the ball winning ability of Neill McManus saw them through to a 2-19 to 2-14 victory in a game where clinical finishing proved the difference.
The opening period was a cagey affair as both teams looked to find their rhythm. Ruairi Og started brightly with Liam Gillan and the ever-reliable Neil McManus getting them off the mark, with McManus striking two early frees. Glenariffe struggled to find their range early on but stayed in contention through the accurate free-taking of Alex O’Boyle. Points from Brogan O’Connor and Orrin O’Connor kept the home side’s spirits high, but Cushendall’s Fiontan Bradley began to exert his influence, knocking over a series of frees to keep the visitors ahead. The momentum shifted just before the break when, in the 29th minute, Michael O’Boyle found the back of the net for Oisins. This vital goal ensured Glenariffe went in level at the break, with the scoreboard reading 1-06 to 0-09.
The second half began at a blistering pace. Calum McIlwaine and Michael O’Boyle added points for the Oisins to pile on the pressure, but Cushendall’s response was lethal. In the 7th minute of the second half, Thomas McLaughlin fired home a goal to restore Cushendall’s cushion. Just over ten minutes later, Oisin Woodhouse mirrored the feat, netting a second goal that effectively broke the Oisins’ resistance. Fiontan Bradley continued his masterclass from placed balls, finishing the day with an impressive haul of 10 points. Glenariffe refused to lie down, with Alex O’Boyle pointing from a ’65’ and open play to finish his day with 6 points, while Oliver Kearney managed to grab a late goal in injury time. However, it proved to be a mere consolation. While Glenariffe will be disappointed to lose at home, their ability to compete suggests they will be a handful this season, while Ruairi Og’s win provides a steady foundation as they await the return of their county stars.
OISINS – Paul McMullan, Donal Kearney, David Kearney, Odhran Gillan, Michael Haughey, Daniel Kearney, Niall Magee, James Kearney, Calum McIlwaine, Michael O’Boyle, Oliver Kearney, Orrin O’Connor, Alex O’Boyle, Brogan O’Connor, Aaron Cosgrove.
RUAIRI OG – Conor McAlister, Conor McCann, Martin Burke, Fred McCann, Liam Gillan, Stephen Walsh, Austin Birt, Callagh Mooney, Charlie McAuley, Ed McQuillan, Joe McNaughton, Neil McManus, Oisin Woodhouse, Thomas McLaughlin, Fiontan Bradley
Substitute – Aodhan Campbell.
