An injury time goal by Eamon Og McAllister saw Tir na nOg snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in Sunday’s Intermediate Hurling Championship second round game at Whitehill. The goal, his second in a ten minute spell, put the home side two ahead and though Conor McHugh cut the deficit back to a single point the visitors missed out on a share of the spoils when they missed a last gasp free with the last poc of the game. The win puts the Randalstown side top of their group, level on points with Oisins and Glenarm, but defeat for the Emmets leaves them needing to win their last three games, and depending on other games going their way if they are to have any chance of making the semi-finals.
Cushendun opened brightly and an early Sean McKay point had them ahead inside a minute but Tir na nÓg came back with points from the Duffin brothers Sean and Colm, plus one from McAllister. ‘Loaf’ McNeill pulled one back for the visitors but Randalstown pushed on and were ahead by double scores (0-06 to 0-03) by the end of the opening quarter.
Cushendun settled into the game a bit better during the second quarter and four points in a row from Thomas Scally, Sean McKay and Conor McHugh (2) edged them in front. Sean Duffin brought the home side back on terms a minute later but Cushendun finished the half stronger and went on to lead by 0-10 to 0-08 at the interval.
Conrad McDonnell and Conor McHugh hit the first two points of the second half to push the Emmet’s four ahead and though the Duffin brothers Sean and Colm pulled a couple back for the home side, Cushendun appeared to be firmly in the driving seat when Sean McKay grabbed a goal on 41 minutes to put the visitors six clear.
They still had a five point cushion with ten minutes left to play when Eamon Og McAllister got his first goal to set up a grandstand finish. Two from Sean Duffin in reply to once from Conor McHugh left just a point between them when McAllister struck again from close range to put the Whitehill men two clear. McHugh cut it back to a point in injury time but that was as close as they would get and Tir na nOg held on for a vital win which keeps them at the top of the table.
TO SEE MORE OF MICKEY MORGAN’S PICS CLICK ON HTE LINK BELOW
Glenariffe were made to work hard for their victory against a very determined St Galls team who were fighting to stay in this year’s championship. Going in at halftime St Galls held a one point advantage on a scoreline of St Galls 0-11 to Oisins 1-7, and there were a few worried faces in the Glenariffe support. There needn’t have been as whatever was said at halftime seemed to have done the trick and Glenariffe outscored the vistors by 1-12 to 0-5 in the second half to win by 9 points on a scoreline of 2-19 to 0-16.
Eye on the ball!St Gall’s goalkeeper Kurtis McGreevy in action during the championship game against Oisins
St Galls took the lead in the first minute with a free from Greogory McGreevy, whose free taking was excellent and would finish with 6 points from placed balls in the first half. Glenariffe responded with an excellent point from wing half back Colla Ward, before St Galls took the lead from the excellent Ronan Crossan who finished the game with 6 pts(4 from play and 2 frees). Both free takers swapped points before Jack Hopkins finished off good work from the St Gall’s forward line to put St Galls one up again. Calum McIlwaine pointed from distance to level things again for Glenariffe, but the home team couldn’t seem to find their rhythm, and Greogory McGreevy continued to punish them from placed balls. Brogan 0’Connor was on the end of a great run from Odhran Gillan to score a good point and when Seanie McIntosh cut in from the left hand side to goal and give the home side the lead for the first time, drilling the ball so hard that it actually went through the net. You thought Glenariffe would kick on from here but St Galls finished the half the stronger scoring five points to Glenariffe’s two, to go in a point up at halftime.
Oisins Michael Haughey in action against St Gall’s
Orrin O’Connor and Ronan Crossan swapped points at the start of the second half, before a great catch from Seanie McIntosh on the edge of the square, where he turned and rifled his second goal of the game to give Glenariffe a two point lead. Greogory McGreevy pointed from a free again to bring St Gall’s back to a point, but then the Oisin’s hit a purple patch scoring the next six points without reply to open up a seven point gap. A point each from the O’Connor brothers and four from Alex O’Boyle placed balls, the pick being from all of 90 metres. Both teams continued to swap points and Glenariffe were unlucky not to increase their goal tally but for two great saves from Kurtis McGreevey in the St Galls nets who threw himself bravely at shots from Odhran Gillan and Alex O’Boyle. Ronan Crossan, who had now taken over the free taking duties, scored two from placed balls before the Oisins finished strongly with points from Alex O’Boyle and the hard working Orrin O’Connor after a great run from Niall Magee. The only downside to the second half for Glenariffe was the injury picked up by Calum McIlwaine who looks a doubt for the next round.
Oisins Seanie McIntosh, blocks down a St Gall’s clearance. The full-forward scored 2-02 from play in a man of hte match display
This was a spirited performance from St Galls who can take a lot from this game, particularly in the first half. Kurtis McGreevey was excellent in nets and was ably assisted by Jim O’Reilly and Jack Hopkins. Up front Ronan Crossan had a great game, Gregory McGreevey’s free taking was super and Fergus Donnelly caused problems all day.
Glenariffe may feel slightly disappointed with their first half performance but they weathered the storm to win comfortably in the end. Niall Magee had a great game in defence with David Kearney and Patrick McIlwaine putting their bodies on the line all day. Odhran Gillan and Calum McIlwaine put in a mountain of work at midfield. Alex O’Boyle had a good game up front finishing the game with 10 points ( eight frees and one 65), Orrin O’Connor had a great battle with Ciaran McCaffrey and worked hard to finish with three points from play and Seanie McIntosh was in great form scoring two great goals and two points, all from play.
Up next in two weeks’ time for St Galls is Cloughmills and Glenarfiffe face Randalstown, both games being at neutral venues.
Glenariffe
1.P McMullan 2.P McIlwaine 3.M Haughey 4. C Devlin 5. D Kearney 6. N Magee 7. C Ward(0-1) 8. C McIlwaine(0-1) 9. O Gillan 10. O O’Connor(0-3)11. N Murray 12. M O’Boyle 13. B O’Connor (0-2)14.S McIntosh(2-2)15. A O’Boyle (0-10, 8F &1 65)
Subs Used: D Kearney for B O’Connor 38min, J Kearney for M Haughey 48min, P Ward for N Murray 49min, R Leech and C Graham for P McIlwaine and C McIlwaine 52min.
St Galls
1.K McGreevey 2. A Mackle 3. G Adams 4. O Kelly 5. E Walsh 6. J O’Reilly 7. C McCaffrey
8.D Churchill 9. J Hopkins(0-2) 10. A Mullan) 11. O McIlhatton 12.G McGreevey (0-7, 7F) 13. M Napier (0-1)14.F Donnelly 15.R Crossen(0-6, 2F)
Subs Used: E Loughran for C McCaffrey 39min, E Farrelly for A Mullan 42min
TO SEE MORE OF SEAN PAUL’S PHOTOS FRO THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
Brendan McTaggart reports from Pearse Park, Dunloy
Dunloy produced an accomplished performance on Sunday afternoon to get their 2025 championship campaign off to a winning start against Ballycastle. 15 points the difference at the end of the hour but in truth this Group 2 game was over as early as the 20th minute. The Cuchullains ran into a 13 point lead before Ballycastle registered their first score and while they had the elements in their favour, Dunloy blitzed the Town from the first whistle.
Elliott brothers Seaan and Nigel grabbed goals in either half for Dunloy while substitute Chrissy McMahon got in on the goal scoring act also late in the game. Keelan Molloy and Eoin O’Neill shared eight points between them while Deaglan Smith was a livewire playing in a number of different roles in the front six.
Defensively, Ballycastle tested Dunloy with a barrage of direct and high ball in the second half but by enlarge, that was well dealt with through Eoin McFerran, Ryan McGarry and the excellent Kevin Molloy.
It was a bad day at the office for Ballycastle who will rue their slow start to the contest. They got little or no joy from an excellent Dunloy defence although Tiarnan Smyth’s goal would certainly make the highlight reel from the game. Seamus McAuley finished top of their scoring charts, his four points coming from placed ball but their defence couldn’t stop a lively Dunloy attack as the Cuchullains never dropped their intensity.
It was a relentless start from Dunloy with points coming from all angles. Keelan Molloy, Seaan Elliott, Deaglan Smith and Luke McFerran all recording scores before Seaan Elliott scored the opening goal of the game. Luke McFerran collecting a long ball and popping a pass out to Elliott who was charging through the middle. Conor Boyd tried to stop the Dunloy man but a side step gave Elliott the yard he needed to fire the sliotar to the back of the net.
Going into the final 10 minutes of the half, Ballycastle had two shots that went wide and another three that dropped short. To say they Ballycastle were overwhelmed was an understatement, Dunloy piled on the pressure with their half back line and midfield dominant. It was the 22nd minute before Ballycastle recorded their first score, coming through a spectacular goal from Tiarnan Smyth. Collecting a long ball, Smyth caught the sliothar and buried from 20 yards.
Neal McAuley fired over the Town’s first point of the match before Smyth added to his goal to leave eight points between the sides with five minutes of the first half remaining.
Dunloy responded with points coming from Luke McFerran, Deaglan Smith and Keelan Molloy stretching their tally to 1-13 before Seamus McAuley knocked over a free on the stroke of half time to leave the score 1-13 to 1-3 at the short whistle.
10 points was the minimum Dunloy had earned given their dominance. It was all one way traffic and the home side registered double figures in wides by the time referee Kevin Parke called for the interval.
Ballycastle needed a quick start to the second half with the wind at their backs but it was Dunloy who remained on the front foot. A brace of unanswered points from Eoin O’Neill stretched the Dunloy lead to 12 points by the 35th minute. O’Neill would record his third of the half after a McAuley free and while the Ballycastle free taker would score back to back points from placed ball just before the half way point of the half, the home side would score their second major.
A patient build-up in defence saw substitute Aodhan McGarry pass to Nigel Elliott on the run. The Cuchullain’s midfielder charged through the heart of the Ballycastle defence and finished expertly.
Two frees from Seaan Elliott were answered to by points from Conor Boyd to leave 13 points between the sides before Dunloy would score their third major. Nigel Elliott this time turning provider, collecting a quick line ball and sprinting through on goal. He drew the Town defence towards him before passing to Chrissy McMahon and he made no mistake.
Ballycastle bombarded the Dunloy defence with a barrage of high ball in search for another major but they got no joy from an excellent Dunloy defence.
The Cuchullains now turn their attention to the big ball and a date with Tir na nOg while Ballycastle will be hoping for an improved performance when they take to the field against St John’s.
TEAMS
DUNLOY: Ryan Elliott; Conor Kinsella, Eoin McFerran, Oran Quinn; Luke McFerran, Ryan McGarry, Kevin Molloy; Nigel Elliott, Nicky McKeague; Ryan Mort, Paul Shiels, Keelan Molloy; Seaan Elliott, Deaglan Smith, Eoin O’Neill
Subs: Aodhan McGarry for R Mort (36); Tom McFerran for P Shiels (44); Chrissy McMahon for D Smith (55); Ciaran Elliott for S Elliott (57); E Smyth for R McGarry (blood sub 43, reversed 46)
Scorers: S Elliott 1-7 (6fs); E O’Neill 0-4; Keelan Molloy 0-4; C McMahon 1-1; N Elliott 1-00; D Smith 0-2; L McFerran 0-2
BALLYCASTLE: Ryan McGarry; Oran Kearney, Cian Baudant, Ryan McCook; Mark McClean, Conor Boyd, Ronan Laverty; Seamus McAuley, Cathair Donnelly; Ronan McGarry, James McShane, Ardan Kelly; Conor Donnelly, Neal McAuley, Tiernan Smyth
Subs: Darragh Kelly for A Kelly (HT); Diarmuid McShane for J McShane (49); Conal Colgan for M McClean (51)
Scorers: S McAuley 0-4 (4fs); T Smyth 1-1; C Boyd 0-2; C Donnelly 0-1; R McCarry 0-1; D McShane 0-1; N McAuley 0-1
REFEREE: Kevin Parke (Naomh Éanna)
TO SEE MORE OF BRENDAN’S PHOTOS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
Glen Rovers Armoy made it two wins from two in the Junior Hurling Championship when they beat All Saints Ballymena in their Round Robin 2 game at Fr Maginn Park, Glenravel on Sunday. The Armoy men are many people’s favourites to win the title this season, after going so close in the last two years, but it has to be said that they were made work for this win over a Ballymena side for whom corner forward Darrach Bradley was excellent, hitting ten of his side’s thirteen points.
Six points separated the teams at half time 1-09 to 0-06 and for a spell after half time they closed to within four, but Emmet O’Hara and Tarlach McBride were on hand for the Rovers when they were most needed and the had the better of the final quarter to win by six in the end.
Kieran McToal, Tarlach McBride and Conor Christie hit the first three points of the game inside the first three minutes before All Saints got on the scoreboard with a point from a Daniel Kelly 65. Emmet O’Hara put Armoy 0-04 to 0-01 ahead by the eleventh minute, but once Bradley got on the scoreboard he kept the Ballymena boys in touch with two excellent points, one from play and the other from a free on 17 minutes. A goal, driven low along the ground but Armoy full forward Colm Lorden and a point from Tarlach McBride pushed the Rovers eight clear, but Bradley had the last two scores of the half to leave six between them at the short whistle.
McBride pushed the gap out to seven with an early second half point but All Saints were hanging in there and two points from Bradley frees and on from play by Harry Connon got them back to within four. However Armoy were always able to keep the Ballymena men at arms’ length two in quick succession from O’Hara and McBride pushed the gap out to six again.
Bradley’s accuracy kept All Saints in touch going down the home stretch but Armoy always had a reply and two more by McBride, one from Trevor Linton and one by Conor Christie saw them comfortably through.
The win puts Armoy through to the knock-out stages and their final game in two weeks’ time against joint leaders Gort na Móna will decide who goes through as group winners.
TO SEE MORE OF DYLAN’S PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
Not a classic by any stretch of the imagination, but for both teams this Championship match served up a very physical hard match with some great fielding, tackling, blocking, saves and excellent score taking!!
Niall Mc Garel was flawless from the dead ball slotting over 5 free’s, 1 “65”, 3 from play and was excellent in his winning and distribution of the ball. Declan McDermott working in the forward line this year had a great 55 minute’s ramming home a goal and 3 points.
Eoin Dobbin for the visitor’s had a good game with 3 free’s, 2 “65” and 2 points from play.
After an early wide by the home side, the visitors took the lead with a point from Eoin Dobbin.
A few moments later Glenarm won a free out near the sideline at the club house end. Darren Hamill stood over the ball about 90 yards from his target. He floated in a high ball which no-one claimed and the sliotar nestled in the corner of the net.
Niall McGarel added a point also as the home side led by three with Callum McKendry replying with a point for the Biddies a moment later.
Mc Garel was showing early intent in this match and after winning a ball at midfield he unselfishly passed to Dan Black who obliged with a nice point over Christopher McKernan’s bar before Darren Hamill, working in the half back line collected a loose ball and struck a point from distance.
St. Brigid’s replied and in the fifth minute in a crowded Glenarm box with both teams fighting for the ball, Seamus Dobbin got the vital touch and finished for a Cloughmills goal.
This was followed by a point from Cathal Mullan and with the score’s level, the hosts hit a purple patch with three points on the bounce. Dylan McLaughlin rifled over and Declan McDermott hit a nice effort and Dan Black drove over a free from 40 yards before Eoin Dobbin reduced the arrears to 2 points with a converted free.
Glenarm’s Niall McGarel showed his skill from the dead ball as he converted another free before team-mate Daniel Black rose to collect a high ball and cut through the defence before dissecting the uprights.
Eoin Dobbin continued to be the main threat for the Biddies and on the 23rd minute heconverted another free.
A few minutes later there was a bit of confusion as the Glenarm side thought they had been awarded a free, but with play continuing Naomh Brid worked the ball goal-ward before half forward Stephen Smyth sent a rasper beyond Michael Abram.
Glenarm kept the scoreboard ticking over with McLaughlin getting a point and Mc Garel hitting another place ball effort.
With half time fast approaching the two clubs traded score’s as Seamus Dobbin hit a point for the visitors, and Niall Mc Garel pointing for the hosts.
Eoin Dobbin again pointed from play but the last score of the half belonged to Mc Garel who slotted over a free.
Shane Uí Neills 1-12 Naomh Brid 2-07
The second half belonged to the home side as they out-scored Cloughmills by 1-09 to 0-05.
Ciaran Magill hit an early score at the start of the third period for the hosts with Dobbin replying for the orange and blacks with a converted free.
Glenarm’s intensity was on show in abundance early in the second half as the score’s started to flow. McDermott shot over an excellent point, closely followed by McGarel hitting the ball with purpose for another converted free withNaomh Brid’s Eoin Dobbin slotting over a “65” On 40 minute’s
A passage of play ensued with both defences standing strong and cancelling out any threat from their opponents.
The next point came off the stick of Dylan McLaughlin who rolled a couple of tackles and sent a high speculative effort over the Biddies bar.
In the final quarter of this championship match, Glenarm raised their game once more and went on a scoring spree.
McGarel lashed over a free, and a truly majestic point from way out on the side-line from Decky McDermott all but knocked the fight out of the away team.
A few minutes later McGarel turned from scorer to provider as he broke through a tackle and had the vision to pass to McDermott who sent an unstoppable shot beyond Chris McKernan for a Glenarm major!!
With a nine point cushion the boys in blue refused to take the foot off the gas and had McGarel to thank for another couple of point’s as he hit a “65” and another score from a free.
Dobbin came back with a “65” for the Biddies but at this stage it was mere shooting practice for the Cloughmills sharpshooter.
With time nearly up Dan Black showed his intent and gathered a loose ball and split the uprights from distance.
The last two points of the game fell to Naomh Brid but at this stage they only served to put a better look on the final score-line.
For the visitors their goal keeper Chris Mc Kernan was in excellent form and pulled off at least 4 wonder saves, Geoffery Og Laverty had a good game, and Seamus and Eoin Dobbin where the main scoring threat.
The hosts had an equally great shot stopper as Michael Abram came to his side’s rescue with several point blank saves. Aidan Scullion, Darren Hamill, Ciaran McLoughlin and Michael Fury in defence cleared a lot of the away team’s chances.
Ben O Boyle covered every blade of grass and deserved a special mention for a excellent 55 minute’s work.
Dan Black and Dylan McLaughlin took their score’s well, and Declan McDermott and Niall Mc Garel were the scoring duo who kept the scoreboard ticking over.
Both clubs are back in action in a fortnight with a Friday 22nd August evening fixture for Glenarm away to Cushendun while Cloughmills are away to St. Galls on Saturday 23rd August.
Glenarm.
1 Michael Abram, 2 Aidan Scullion, 3 Barry Hamill, 4 Ciaran Mc Loughlin, 5 Kieran O Boyle, 6 Darren Hamill 1-01, 7 Michael Fury, 8 John Scullion,9 Ciaran Magill 0-01,10 Niall
Mc Garel 0-09 (5 f,1 “65”) 11 Dylan Mc Laughlin 0-03, 12 Ben O Boyle, 13 Declan Mc Dermott 1-03, 14 Daniel Black 0-04(1 F),15 Sean O Boyle.
Blain Mc Dermott for Declan Mc Dermott 55 mins. Conal Ward for Ben O Boyle 56 mins. Joshua Quinn for Ciaran Mc Loughlin 58mins.
Liam Mulvenna, Aidan O Neill, Gerard Burns, Sean O Hare, Ryan Mc Loughlin, Paddy Mc Auley.
Naomh Brid
1 Chris Mc Kernan, 2 Johnny Duffin, 3 Sean Mc Kendry, 4 Rian Dobbin, 5 James Doherty,6 Geoffrey Og Laverty, 7 Kevin O Boyle, 8 Conor Laverty, 9 Odhran Mc Curdy, 10 Seamus Dobbin 1-01, 11 Calum Mc Kendry 0-01, 12 Stephen Smyth 1-00, 13 Ruairi Laverty, 15 Eoin Dobbin 0-07(3 f,2″65″), 17 Cathal Mullan0-01.
