Above – Cahir McCloskey who scored 4 goals and six points in Loughgiel’s win over Ballycstle in the Under 16 Hurling Championship quarter-final
Under 16A Hurling Championship
Ballycastle 0-14 Loughgiel 4-16
A clinical display of finishing from half forward Cahir Mc Closkey gave Loughgiel the edge over Ballycastle in a keenly contested U16 Championship quarter final on Tuesday at Pairc Mac Uilin.
The Shamrock sharp shooter Mc Closkey would finish the game with a stunning 4-6 to his credit and this took his team clear of a Ballycastle outfit who threatened an upset at times.
In wet and breezy conditions, the teams gave everything and there was much quality in the hurling for the large crowd to enjoy.
Oran Baudant ,outstanding at centre back throughout the game, gave the Town an early lead with a huge point and the scores flowed from both sides thereafter.
Codai Mc Garry was accurate from the placed ball for the Shamrocks, whilst Patrick Campbell kept the Mc Quillan’s on level terms both from play and frees. There were also excellent points for Eli Quinn and Toirdhealbhach Ni giolladhuinn for the black and amber side.
The crucial score of the half came from Mc Closkey just before the interval, when he cut through the Ballycastle defence and finished low to net past James Moloney. This score, along with a Daire Kearney point gave Loughgiel a half time lead of 1-10 to 0-8.
Ballycastle started the second half forcefully, but were unfortunate to see a number of efforts drop wide of the posts. The midfield duo of Peter Laverty and Sean Mc Henry battled bravely to keep their side afloat and Patrick Campbell continued to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Despite the best defensive efforts of the Town, in particular Aodhan Black and Feargus Mc Auley, the free running Mc Closkey would not be stopped. On three separate occasions he wriggled away from his markers to calmly slot to the net, stretching the Loughgiel lead.
He was supported with two fine points from substitute Thomas Traynor and a sublime line ball cut from Damian Laverty.
Ballycastle carved out goal chances of their own in an attempt to save the day, but they struck the post twice and saw two other efforts denied by the goalkeeping of Ciaran Hennessey.
The margin of victory hardly tells the tale of an excellent tussle between these old rivals and the game was also aided by a sound and consistent refereeing display by Fergus Mc Allister.
Loughgiel advance to the next week’s semi-final and a home tie against O’Donovan Rossa.
Loughgiel:
1. Ciaran Hennessey
2. Ronan Mc Garry
3. Lorcan Murtagh
4. Martin Maynes
5. Kevin Og Mc Garry
6. Aaron Gillan
7. Liam Mc Kee
8. Oisin Mc Fadden
9. Aidan Barr-Laverty (0-1)
10. Iarla Gillan
11. Codai Mc Garry (0-4, 4 frees)
12. Cahir Mc Closkey (4-6, 2 frees)
13. Conor Connolly
14. Damian Laverty (0-2, 1 line ball)
15. Daire Kearney (0-1)
17. Thomas Traynor (0-2)
Ballycastle:
1. James Moloney
2. Tom Busby
3. Feargus Mc Auley
4. Aodhan Black
5. Ronan Mc Bride
6. Oran Baudant (0-1)
7. Toirdhealbhach Nigiolladhuinn (0-1)
8. Sean Mc Bride
,9. Peter Laverty (0-2)
10. Eli Quinn (0-1)
11. Patrick Campbell (0-9, 5 frees)
12. Conal Kelly
13. Conor Bailey
14. Ruairi Laverty
15. Dara Mc Shane
17. Oisin Mc Shane
18. Conal Mc Auley
19. Caolan Keenan
Referee: Fergus Mc Allister (Ruairi Og)