Above – Somebody up there likes me! Cadhan Crawford, whose grandfather Seamus ‘Killer’ Donnelly died just hours before the game, points to the heavens after scoring a vital point in his team’s dramatic win over Rossa at Shaw’s Road. Pic by Bert Trowlen
Bathshack Antrim Senior Hurling Championship Round 3
Rossa 2-17 Ballycastle 1-21
Ballycastle secured their place in the Antrim Senior Hurling Championship quarter-finals with a dramatic 1-21 to 2-17 victory over O’Donovan Rossa, surviving a relentless late onslaught in a game charged with deep emotion. A draw at Shaws Road would have been enough to send the Belfast hosts through, but Ballycastle held their nerve to edge the contest by a single point.
There was a profoundly poignant edge to the fixture, as Ballycastle took to the field just hours after the passing of club legend Seamus ‘Killer’ Donnelly. Knowing it was exactly what his grandfather would have wanted, Cadhan Crawford made the courageous decision to play. He delivered a stunning performance, acting as the focal point of the Ballycastle attack and racking up nine points to drive his team to victory under incredibly heavy circumstances.
Backed by a strong wind in the opening period, Ballycastle took early control with scores from Cathair Donnelly, Niall McClean, and Crawford. Rossa stayed in contention when Aodhan O’Brien found the net, but the visitors made superb use of the elements. Steady points from Conor Boyd, Niall McKenna, and Seamus McAuley ensured Ballycastle carried a commanding 0-15 to 1-7 lead into the break.
Turning around to face the wind, Ballycastle knew a fightback was inevitable. Rossa methodically chipped away at the deficit, with Dáire Murphy proving lethal from placed balls, while Stephen Beatty and Liam McEnhill added crucial points from play. Just as Rossa looked poised to reel them in, Ballycastle substitute Jack McGowan struck for a vital goal, re-establishing a significant cushion for the Town.
Rossa refused to fold, setting up a grandstand finish. In the 64th minute, a frantic goalmouth scramble ended with Liam McEnhill forcing the sliotar over the line, cutting the gap to just one point. Needing only a draw to advance, Rossa threw everything forward for one final attack. Dáire Murphy had a late chance to level the game and break Ballycastle hearts, but he could not steer his effort between the posts. The final whistle triggered relief and celebration from the travelling support, sending Ballycastle marching on to face either Dunloy or Cushendall.
Mac UíLín CLG (Ballycastle): Eamon Elliott; Oran Kearney, Conal Colgan, Cathair Donnelly; Darragh Donnelly, Conor Boyd, Eoin McAlonan; Ronan Laverty, Ronan McCarry; Neal McAuley, Seamus McAuley, Darragh Kelly; Conor Donnelly, Niall McKenna, Diarmaid McShane. Scorers: Cadhan Crawford 0-9 (0-5F), Jack McGowan 1-0, Cathair Donnelly 0-3, Niall McClean 0-2, Conor Boyd 0-2 (0-2F), Ronan McCarry 0-2, Eoin McAlonan 0-1, Niall McKenna 0-1, Seamus McAuley 0-1.
O’Donovan Rossa: Donal Armstrong; Niall Crossan, Ciarán Orchin, Corey Walsh; Declan McCartney, Christopher McGuinness, Diarmaid Rogan; Dominic McEnhill, Eoin Trainor; Liam McEnhill, Dáire Murphy, Luca McCusker; Aodhan O’Brien, Stephen Beatty, Thomas Morgan. Scorers: Dáire Murphy 0-8 (0-7F), Liam McEnhill 1-2, Aodhan O’Brien 1-1, Deaglan Murphy 0-2, Thomas Rogan 0-1, Stephen Beatty 0-1, Eoin Trainor 0-1, Dominic McEnhill 0-1.
Referee – Declan McGarry (Loughgiel)
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