Intermediate Hurling Championship
St Paul’s, Belfast 5-20 Tir na nÓg, Randalstown 4-9
Report and photos by Brian Hamill at Páirc Éanna
St Paul’s secured their place in the next phase of the Intermediate Hurling Championship after emerging from a hugely entertaining nine-goal thriller against Tir na nÓg, Randalstown.
The Shaw’s Road men could scarcely have made a better start. Caolán Ó Duibhfhinn opened the scoring inside seconds before Sean Og McLaren found the net after just two minutes to immediately put St Paul’s on the front foot. Further scores from Shea Burns and Stephen Rooney helped the home side establish early momentum.
Tir na nÓg responded through Oliver McAtamney and Eamon Og McAllister, but St Paul’s continued to create chances and looked particularly dangerous whenever they moved the ball quickly into their inside forward line. A goal from Caolán Ó Duibhfhinn stretched the lead before the visitors hit back in spectacular fashion.
Two goals in quick succession from Eamon Og McAllister and Sean Duffin hauled Randalstown right back into contention and ensured a highly competitive contest. However, St Paul’s answered in style as Sean Og McLaren grabbed his second goal of the afternoon and scores from Conal Finnegan, Sean Munce and Caolán Ó Duibhfhinn helped the hosts move into a 3-10 to 3-3 lead at the interval.
Randalstown refused to fold and produced their best spell after the break. Scores from Ciaran Logan and Joe McCormick narrowed the deficit before goalkeeper Kevin Sheerin struck a dramatic goal from a free to leave just two points between the teams. At that stage, momentum appeared to have swung firmly towards Tir na nÓg.
St Paul’s, though, showed impressive resilience. Substitute James McDonnell made a major impact after being introduced, firing over four points from play, while Gerard Maguire also added an important score. The pivotal moment arrived on 48 minutes when Caolan Crossan found the net, restoring a valuable cushion for the home side.
The visitors continued to battle bravely and a late free from Emmet Martin offered renewed hope, but St Paul’s always looked capable of responding. Caolán Ó Duibhfhinn continued to torment the Randalstown defence and, fittingly, substitute Odhran Donnelly completed the scoring with a late goal that sealed a deserved victory.
By the final whistle, St Paul’s had accumulated 5-20 and, despite conceding four goals, their attacking quality and strength from the bench ensured progression to the next stage of the championship. Tir na nÓg played their full part in an absorbing encounter, but St Paul’s superior firepower ultimately proved decisive.
St Paul’s scorers:
Caolán Ó Duibhfhinn 1-7, Sean Og McLaren 2-2, James McDonnell 0-4, Conal Finnegan 0-2, Odhran Donnelly 1-0, Caolan Crossan 1-0, Daire Stevenson 0-1, Stephen Rooney 0-1, Sean Munce 0-1, Shea Burns 0-1, Gerard Maguire 0-1.
Tir na nÓg scorers:
Eamon Og McAllister 2-1, Sean Duffin 1-1, Kevin Sheerin 1-0 (free), Ciaran Logan 0-2, Oliver McAtamney 0-1, Manus Smith 0-1 (free), Joe McCormick 0-1, Emmet Martin 0-1 (free).
Referee: Paul O’Neill (Creggan)
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