Ulster Junior Club Football Championship
Drumhowan Monaghan v Rasharkin Antrim
Clones –Sunday – 1.30pm
Antrtim Junior Football champions, St. Mary’s Rasharkin travel to St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones on Sunday where they face Drumhowan of Monaghan in the quarter-final of the Ulster Club Chmpionship. It’s been a great year for the men from Dreen who claimed the division 3 league title and went on to complete a memorable league and championship double.
Under the guidance of Cathal McMullan, Paddy Kelly and their backroom staff, St. Mary’s have grown in confidence as the season progressed. The new management team have replaced many of the old guard who had served the club so well over the last decade and introduced quite a number of new faces and the results have been positive.
The young St. Mary’s won 11, drew 1 and lost two of their 14 fixtures in Division 3 to finish two points ahead of O’Donnell’s and after topping Group 1 in the Junior Championship, they would again come up against the MacRory Park side in the Junior Championship semi-final.
Rasharkin were drawn at home in that one by virtue of topping their group but were made to work hard for a place in the final.
A bright start and a strong finish powered St. Mary’s Rasharkin to victory over a determined O’Donnell’s in this P GRAHAM TARMAC Junior Football Championship encounter at Dreen.
Eamon McNeill and James Higgins can do damage in the Rasharkin attack
Rasharkin got off to a lightning start with Cormac McMullan pointing after 20 seconds and before the opening minute had elapsed, Eamonn McNeill took advantage of a defensive mix-up to force the ball to the net.
O’Donnell’s came back strongly however and with Rasharklin down to 14 men following a Black card had it down to a goal with four minutes to play but a mistake in defence and some quick thinking by Fearghal Kennedy saw him set up Oisin Casey for a decisive third goal.
It was Eire Og that the men from Dreen would meet in the Antrim final at Dunsilly and Rasharkin looked to be heading for a comfortable win when they led by 8 points but the Derriaghy side fought back brilliantly to square the contest by half time, following another Black card to the eventual winners.
Rasharkin were a different animal after half time, however. With Tiernan O’Boyle’s brilliance from long range along with the midfield prowess of Oran McMullan, Rasharkin never looked behind them. Defensively, Pearce Kelly was outstanding, giving an exhibition from the full back line as the Óg’s tried to isolate Conor Dixon as much as they could.
The running power and speed of James Higgins and Cormac McMullan through the middle of the pitch ensured Rasharkin had an outlet to relieve any Éire Óg pressure while Ryan Doherty’s saves between the sticks went a long way in Rasharkin’s victory.
O’Boyle’s contribution was massive with the big mid-fielder kicking four 2 pointers on the night in a man of the match display while Eamonn McNeill and Thomas Hasson’s goals were also pivotal.
Tiernan O’Boyle who kicked four 2 pointers in the Antrim final
The Monaghan champions, Drumhowan could provide the Antrim champions with a step up in class to the sides they have faced this season in Antrtim and manager, Cathal McMullan and his backroom team will be keen to cut out the mistakes that could have cost them dearly in the Antrim semi-final and final.
Their opponents on Sunday, Drumhowan are the 2026 Monaghan JFC winners. They defeated Aghabog 2-20 to 3-13 after extra time in the Monaghan final and look a side to be reckoned with.
Drumhowan came back from 2-04 to 0-06 down at half-time to beat Aghabog after extra time in Scotstown and claim the club’s third Junior double, after 1960 and 2006.
Aghabog started fast. Ciaran Logue fisted a goal in the first minute and Dermot Smyth scored a second on 30 minutes. They led 2-04 to 0-06 at half-time but Drumhowan came back after the break, with Caolan Reilly scoring a goal. It finished level after 60 minutes, 1-14 to 3-08.
In extra time, a two-pointer from Tom Doherty and a goal from Darragh McAdam proved decisive.
Rasharkin should travel to Clones with confidence however. Their side has grown as this season has progressed and if they can produce their best over the hour and cut out silly mistakes then they have the ability to progress to the semi-final.
Monaghan champions, Drumhowan who take on Rasharkin in the Ulster Junior Club championship in Clones on Sunday
