Lámh Dhearg pull away in the second half to retain McGuigan Shield

South Antrim McGuigan Shield, Hurling Final

Lámh Dhearg 0-15-0-4 Wolfetones, Greencastle

Kevin Herron reports from Hannahstown

Lámh Dhearg claimed the South Antrim McGuigan Shield with a 0-15-0-4 win over Wolfetones Greencastle at Hannahstown on Sunday,

It was a meeting of last year’s finalists with the Lámhs hoping for a repeat of last season’s 2-18-2-9 victory.

They got off to a perfect start and had the opening two scores through Aaron Ferris and a Michael McGuigan free against the elements, though the North Belfast side responded with points from Caolan McLaughlin and Nathan Roche.

The hosts again opened up a two-point advantage when Conor McConville snr converted a 65’ and Michael McGuigan swung over an angled point, but Wolfetones had the answers for the second time with Kieran Moloney popping over and Caolan McLaughlin doubling his personal tally.

It may have been a low scoring opening period but both sides were evenly matched, at the break the Lámhs held the slender advantage thanks to a well taken score from substitute Aaron Brady that had his side 0-5-0-4 to the good.

Playing with the breeze in the second half, Lámh Dhearg’s scores came a little easier- however they were still made to work hard at the other end.

A converted Michael McGuigan free doubled his sides lead and Michael McGarry swung over a point from play.

McGuigan landed his third placed ball of the day, Adam Perry floated over and after a 65’ was cleared off the line- Sean Byrne dropped over a score to move their side 0-10-0-4 ahead.

At the other end Wolfetones caused a few second half headaches with Shane Gray called into action on a couple of occasions to prevent a goal that would have given the visitors renewed optimism.

Conor McConville snr finished the afternoon with four of his side’s final five points. He landed three from the 65’ and stroked over the games last score from play, in between times Aaron Brady popped over his second of the afternoon and at the conclusion the Hannahstown natives ran out 0-15-0-4 winners to ensure the McGuigan Shield would remain at Hannahstown.