Tir na nOg, Randalstown had little difficulty in dealing with the challenge of Lamh Dhearg in this rather one sided U20 football championship quarter-final, played at Creggan Kickham’s on Saturday. Before the game both sides observed a minutes silence for former Lamh Dhearg player, Frankie Wilson who sadly passed awasy during the week.
Despite losing midfielder, Joshua Higgins to a dislocated finger in the opening minute the Whitehill side controlled the game throughout and led 3-4 to 0-4 at the halfway stage.
The South West side had too much pace and scoring power from all over the field for a Lamh Dhearg side deprived of a number of starters who were away on holiday and had to rely entirely on their full-forward, Adam Murray for their scores.
It was Murray who opened the scoring for Lamh Dhearg when he pointed a 4th minute free but Tir na nOg were quick to reply and Colla McDonnell fisted a rebound to the net in the 5th minute to give them a lead they would never again lose.
Lamh Dhearg and Tir na nOg observe a minutes silence for former Lamh Dhearg and Antrim player, Frankie Wilson
Daniel Hastings added a second in the 10th minute after being set up by Joe McCormick and the same player added a couple of points before Brandon McLarnon got in for his side’s third goal to make it 3-3 to 0-3 at the break with all of Lamh Dhearg’s points coming from Adam Murray.
Murray opened the second half as he had the first with a point for the Hannastown side with Joe McCormick replying for Tir na nOg and it was that man Murray who brought his side’s total to five with another Lamh Dhearg minor but the Belfast men quite simply could not get enough ball into their full-forward.
Conor Hastings replied from a 20 meter free before Colla McDonnell scored their fourth goal when he somehow conjured an overhead kick to the net while lying on the ground in the 8th minute and even at this early stage it looked as good as over.
Lamh Dhearg, to their credit kept battling away with Dan Murray impressing at mid-field but the Tir na nOg pressure was relentless from every area of the field and the Whitehill side continued to drive forward in packs with Joe McCormick finding a lot of space.
Conor Hastings who top scored for Tir na nOg
Substitute Dara Martin and Alex O’Boyle added to the Randalstown side’s ever increasing total with Adam Murray pointing at the other end and the St. Mary’s CBGS student was almost in for a goal but his shot from close range came back of an upright and was cleared to safety.
That was as good as it got for lamh Dhearg as Alex McDonnell placed Shane Martin for Tir na nOg’s 5th goal with 8 minutes remaining and the Whitehill side finished strongly with points from Joe McCormick 0-2 and Conor McKenna with Adam Murray replying with his and his side’s 7th point to conclude the scoring.
Tir na nOg now meet neighbours Kickham’s Creggan in the semi-final and are likely to face a stiffer test than they did on this occasion but they will go into that one with a lot of confidence following today’s performance.
Adam Murray who scored 0-7 for Lamh Dhearg against Tir na nOg
Tir na nOg: 1 Adam Reid, 2 Connor McCamphill, 3 Ethan Higgins, 4 Jude Carey, 17 Paul McCloskey, 6 Brandon McLarnon, 7 Sean McKeown, 8 Joshua Higgins, 9 Conor McKenna, 10 Alex O’Donnell, 11 Connor Hastings, 12 Joe McCormick, 13 Colla McDonnell, 18 Daniel O’Neill, 15 Shane Martin.
Erin’s Own Cargin 3-08 St Ergnat’s Moneyglass 3-12
Moneyglass claimed the bragging rights in the under-20 development league when they beat neighbours Carin in Toome in a closely fought encounter in the opening game of the U20 Football League on Saturday.
St Ergnat’s opened strongly as full forward Tyler Cassidy punished an unforced error to raise a green flag after Conleth McCann had opened the scoring with a point.
Cargin responded in kind when Tome Shivers pointed before the artistry of PJ Quinn opened the door for Dylan Gallagher to fire to the back of the net.
The game proceeded in tit for tat fashion as score at one end prompted similar at the other and at the end of the opening quarter the sides were tied on 1-04 apiece but the second quarter was to belong to the blue and saffron.
Back to back points from Josh Mc Cormac allowed the visitors to nip a couple clear before the latter launched a high delivery to find the back of the Cargin net.
The visitors were dominating and late points from Frank Duffin and a long range follow up by the industrious Kevin Mc Cann earned hi side a deserved 2-06 to 1-04 interval lead.
James McCormick and above Connlaodh McCann who were in the St. Ergnat’s team who defeated Erin’s Own on Saturday in Toome (Photographs) Elaine Kelly
Cargin trailed by five but as the second half proceeded Tom Shivers pointed within a minute of the restart.
The visitors were quick in their response however and Kevin Mc Cann capitalised on a defensive mix up to plant the leather in the back of the Cargin net and Moneyglass had opened up an eight point lead 3-06 to 1-05.
The home side looked in trouble and they were about to receive another blow as their net minder Shea Laverty received a second yellow and faced a long trek to the side line a minute later.
Malachi Johnston took up the vacated position between the posts and was called into action to make a smart save to deny Shea Madden’s attempt to find the net.
Moneyglass continued to press and further scores from Tyler Cassidy and Charlie McCloskey extended the gap to 3-06 to 1-05.
The home side faced a mountain to climb at the commencement of the last quarter but a smart goal by the artistic PJ Quinn with a point to follow signalled hope, but such hope was soon to be dampened.
Back came the visitors with a trio of white flags raised in turn by Conleth Mc Cann (2), and Tyler Cassidy to see them on the cusp of victory.
Cargin finish strongly with replacement Benen Kelly splitting the posts and Tom Shivers followed with a goal but the long blast was to follow with Moneyglass greeting the chequered flag with a 3-12 to 3-08 winning verdict.
Cargin: Shea Laverty, C Kennedy, Craig Thornton, Conan Kennedy, Malachai Johnston, Cahir Donnelly, Cahir Donnelly, Odhran Molloy (0-01), Conan Johnston, Shane Gribbon, PJ Quinn (1-03), Charlie Mc Cann, Conor Kelly, Tom Shivers (1-03), Dylan Gallagher (1-00)
Subs
Diarmuid Quinn for C Mc Cann
Ryan O’ Neill Dylan Gallagher
Cian Scullion C O’ Boyle
Benen Kelly for C Kennedy
Moneyglass: Rory Gribbin, James Mc Laughlin, Harry O’ Donnell, Ruairi Duffin, Jamie Totten, Matthew Mullan, Frank Duffin (0-01), Conor O’ Kane, Charlie Mc Closkey (0-01), Conleth Mc Cann (0-04), Kevin Mc Cann (1-02), James Mc Cormick (1-00), Tyler Cassidy (1-02), Shea Madden (1-01)
A strong start and a devastating finish saw Tyrone run out convincing winners over Antrim in the opening game of the Leo Murphy Cup at Kelly Park, Portglenone today. In between the Saffrons battled hard to get back into contention but never really looked like overturning Tyrone’s early lead.
Rory Canavan and Ciaran Bogue pointed the visitors into an early lead before Canavan struck with the game’s opening goal. Antrim keeper Declan Heery looked in control as he soloed out of his goal area but was turned over and Canavan expertly applied the finish from 35 yards to an empty net.
When Luke Donnelly and Rory Canavan added points to make it 1-4 to 0-0 after six minutes it looked like being a long day for the young Saffrons but to their credit they stuck at it and began to enjoy a wee bit of success.
Aidan McAleese got the home side off the mark with a good point in the 10th minute and further points from Michael Ferris and a pointed free from McAleese had it back to four at the end of the opening quarter.
Tyrone extended their leads from two strongly disputed frees from Bogue and Canavan and the impressive Canavan added an excellent point from play to move his side seven in front by the 24th minute.
Antrim’s Ronan Boyle carries the ball out of defence
Decal Heery pushed a Michael McGinn goal bound shot over for a point as Tyrone threatened again but Antrim rallied and Aidan McAleese and Sean Duffin fired over the final two points of the opening half to leave six between the sides at the break.
Tyrone opened the second half on the offensive and Michael McGinn and Rory Canavan struck early points but Michael Ferris and Aidan McAleese replied with similar score for the home side to keep the gap at six with eight minutes of the new half gone.
The visitors were always able to keep a healthy gap between the sides however as Niall Devlin fired over a couple of good points but McAleese from another free kept his side in touch as Antrim made a couple of substitutions with Sean O’Neill replaced Rian Lennon and Fergus Donnelly came on for Reuben Carleton.
The better conditioning and fitness of Paul Devlin’s side was starting to tell as Steve Donaghy struck a fine long range point and when Ciaran Bogue followed up to send to the net after Heery in the Antrim goals pulled off a great save in the 21st minute the writing was on the wall.
Both sides gave their benches a run out in the closing stages and Antrim pushed Ruairi Hagan, who had been doing a solid job as sweeper, up front and it left the home side vulnerable in defence.
Ciaran Bogue who was in devastaing scoring form for Tyrone
Tyrone dominated the closing minutes with Ciaran Bogue striking with goals in the 26th and 33d minute to put a slightly flattering edge to the final scoreline. Tyrone though were convincing winners in the end and look like a team that may be hard to beat as the season progresses.
While well beaten, Antrim can take some comfort from parts of their performance and after conceding that early seven point lead they matched Tyrone score for score for a time and the gap was still at seven until Bogue struck with Tyrone’s second goal after 51 minutes.
Its early days and Antrim certainly have a number of talented individuals in their side and Niall Jackman, Aaron Douglas, Paddy Kelly, Stephen Bateson and Stephen Shanks will be working hard with their side in the coming weeks to eradicate those silly mistakes and turn them into a competitive unit.
Tyrone: Stephen McMenemin, Caolan McGirty, Brian Conway, Eoin Corry, Michael Rafferty, Steve Donaghy, Niall Devlin, Ciaran Daly, Seamus Donaghy, Odhran McGrath, Luke Donnelly, Rory Canavan, Ciaran Bogue, Michael McGinn, Sean O’Donnell. Subs Used:Tiernan McGarrity, Ronan Donnelly, Dan Muldoon, Michael McCann, Shay Daley.
As I glanced through this weekend’s county championship final results I couldn’t help but reflect back on when I last saw Tyrone winners, St. Dympna’s Dromore and Clann Eireann of Armagh and how their involvement in the Paddy McLarnon tournament in Creggan had provided some of the building blocks to their success at Senior County level this year.
The sides met in the quarter-final of the Paddy McLarnon U21 Ulster championship in Creggan in 2019 with Dromore winning fairly convincingly on that occasion and St. Dympna’s went on to win the tournament that year and as I scrolled through both team-sheets from Sunday’s Tyrone and Armagh finals it revealed some interesting statistics.
Both sides had eight players in their panel from the sides who played at Creggan in 2019 so no doubt their involvement in that tournament played a big part in their respective development.
Other clubs have achieved similar success following good runs in the Staffordstown Road tournament with Glens first win in Derry built on a very successful three-in-a-row winning run in that tournament and Gaoth Dobhair from Donegal going on to Ulster success at Senior level after winning the Paddy McLarnon and Omagh St. Enda’s another who benefited from Success in the tournament.
Host club, Creggan Kickham’s stand in the way of Clann Eireann in the first round of Ulster while Dromore await the winners from Fermanagh but today we take a look back at that meeting of Clann Eireann and Dromore from 2019 with the players who went on to feature on Sunday highlighted in the team sheets from both games.
Bank of Ireland U21 Ulster Club Football Tournament
Paddy McLarnon Cup
Quarter-Final
Sunday January 27 2019
Dromore 2-11 Clann Éireann 0-5
Brendan McTaggart reports from Páirc Chiceam, Creggan
Two goals in the opening 30 minutes from Andrew McGrath and a man of the match performance from Emmett McNabb paved the way for Dromore as they reached the last four of the Paddy McLarnon Cup. It was a hugely impressive performance from the Tyrone champions as they dismantled Clann Éireann with a blistering display of counter attacking pace built upon a resolute defence.
Tiernan Sludden at full forward proved to be the perfect foil for the likes of McNabb to work off. The Dromore full forward won every ball that came his direction throughout the hour with the Lurgan side unable to deal with his industry and physical presence.
Clann Éireann came into the match on the back of a slender win over St Eunan’s in the preliminary round but they found Dromore a much tougher prospect. Managing just one point in the first half, Captain Conor McConville with their solitary point in the 20th minute left them with a mountain to climb in the second half. They showed more attacking intent after the restart but with pushing for scores the Armagh men yielded space in their defence that Dromore capitalised on.
Playing with the help of the elements in the first half, Dromore got off to the perfect start. McGrath’s first goal coming with their first attack of the game. Despite the dramatic start, the opening quarter resembled more a game of chess than a football match. Dromore were bossing possession and dominant at midfield but Clann Éireann packed their defence and looked to frustrate.
The second goal came in the 18th minute for Dromore with Sludden collecting a long ball. The Dromore man weighed up his options before finding McNulty on the charge who laid the ball into the path of McGrath and the Dromore man made no mistake with a smart finish beyond the diving Eoghan Mulholland in the Clann Éireann goals.
The Clann’s opened their account in the 20th minute with Conor McConville splitting the uprights showing composure from wide on the right but it was their only score of the half as Dromore built on their five point lead.
Five points in the last six minutes of the first half added gloss to the score line, McNabb (three), McNulty and Caolan Slevin extending the Dromore lead to ten points at the short whistle. Although not a match winning lead given the conditions, Dromore’s cause was helped with Aodhan McConville having to come off for the Armagh side. The lively forward had been key to their victory over St Eunan’s in the preliminary round and his absence certainly hurt the Clann’s in the second half. They did score the opening two points after the restart with Daniel Magee and Ruairi McDonald reducing the Dromore lead to eight points after just three minutes of the second half. McDonald’s score the highlight of the opening exchanges, a delightful effort despite the best efforts of Cathal Colton.
Dromore were content to sit deep and starve the Clann’s of space. They frustrated the Lurgan side with their organisation and when they forced a turnover, they countered with numbers and pace. McGrath opened their account in the second half finishing such a move, the Dromore man could have been forgiven had he looked for his hat-trick but he elected for a point to restore his sides nine point lead.
The Clann’s were in need of a game changer to force their way back into the quarter-final and but for some heroic Dromore defending, they could have added a goal to their score. Tiernen Kelly leaping highest in the large square to catch a long free from Barry McCambridge. The Dromore defence swarmed the Clann Éireann man but as the ball went loose it fell for Jack Conlon but his first timed effort was somehow blocked by Peter Teague with the goal at his mercy.
Cónán O’Carroll and Kelly (free) landed points for the Clann’s either side of a super Ryan McCusker point to leave eight between the sides mid-way through the half but it was as close as they got to Dromore with Kelly’s free their last score of the match.
Dromore controlled the final quarter with composure, discipline and precision. McNabb was hugely instrumental in the closing stages adding his fourth and fifth points of the match with Caolan McCarron (free) and John MacRory also adding their name to the list of scorers with the Tyrone champions running out comfortable winners in the end.
Dromore now progress to the last four with a meeting against Derry champions O’Donovan Rossa, Magherafelt in what promises to be a mouth-watering contest. The tie is scheduled for Sunday at 2.15pm at Páirc Chiceam.
The Clann Eireann team who lost to Dromore in 2019
Clann Éireann (U21) 2019: Eoghan Mulholland; Conor McDonald, Oscar McKeagney, Jack Haddock; Cónán O’Carroll (0-1),Barry McCambridge, Tiernan Harbinson; Conor McConville (0-1), Sean McCarthy; Daniel Magee (0-1),Tiernan Kelly (0-1, 1f),Jack Conlon;Ruairi McDonald (0-1), Rioghan Meehan, Aodhan McConville.
Subs: Michéal O’Shea for C McDonald (black card 21mins); Callum Magee for A McConville (HT); Mark Cooper for T Kelly (59).
Clann Eireann (Snr) county final:E Mulholland,C O’Carroll,B McCambridge, D Leathem; S McCarthy, S Heffron, A Kelly; C Bell, T Kelly (0-2, 0-1 free);D Magee, R Henderson (0-1), C McConville; D McCarthy, C Turbitt (0-8, 0-4 frees, 0-1 45, 0-1 mark), A McConville
Subs: J Conlon (1-1) for A McConville (40), R McDonald (1-0) for Bell (40), P McKenna for Magee (53)
St. Dympna’s Dromore, Paddy McLarnon-Ulster U21 winners 2019
Dromore (U21) 2019: Mark McGale; Cathal McCarron, Peter Teague, Ruairi Teague; NathanMcCarron,Ryan McCusker(0-1), Caolan Slevin (0-1); Oisin Gallogly, Cahir Goodwin; Declan McNulty (0-1), Andrew McGrath (2-1), Caolan McCarron (0-1, 1f); John MacRory (0-1), Tiernan Sludden, Emmett McNabb (0-5).
Subs: Pearse McNabb for C McCarron (53); Gavin Teague for O Gallogly (55); Ciaran McDermott for D McNulty (57); Tiernan McDermott A McGrath (60).
DROMORE (Snr) county final:M McGale; C O’Hara, P McHugh, C O’Neill; T McCarron, R McCusker, NMcCarron;P Teague, N Sludden; S McNabb, R McNabb jnr, R McNabb snr; E McNabb,T Sludden, O Rafferty.
Subs: C Goodwin for McHugh, E McCusker for S McNabb, A McGrath for T Sludden, C McCoy for R McNabb jnr, A O’Donnell for McCarron
After losing to St Gall’s in the opening round of the under-20 football Championship, Cargin got it right at the second time of asking when they got the better of a good Aldergrove side in a most watchable encounter at Toome on Saturday afternoon.
The home side certainly did not have it all their own way in what was an enjoyable encounter although looked in control when they had secured a 1-07 to 0-04 advantage at the end of the opening quarter.
However a 17th minute goal from Aldergrove’s Conor Morris was followed by another from Malachy Burns and the home side were reduced to a single score advantage 1-10 to 2-04 at the break.
Cargin nipped away sharply in the second period as Eunan Quinn hoisted back to back points but the Crumlin side were quick to return fire and points by Conor Morris and Daniel Shiels put them right back in touch of their opponents.
The St James’s lads certainly had the wind in the sails as the second period progressed and when Conor Morris sent wing half back Declan Gough in for a goal they looked on their way to victory.
The home side tried to respond but their visitors were on the march and quickly added a point to the Aldergrove tally and Aaron O’ Connor followed suit the Aldergrove were ahead and looked to have gained the initiative as they led by 3-08 to 1-12 as the last water break drew near.
Cargin looked in trouble but Cahir Mc Mullan and Sean Mc Auley combined to send the lively PJ Quinn away on the left hand side and the corner man evaded several challenges on his way to the posts.
A despairing challenge on the pace laden Quinn was judged illegal by the man in charge and Tom Shivers despatched the award to the back of the net and it was all square again, 2-12 to 3-09 at the second water break.
It remained all to play for as the last quarter got under way but it was Cargin made the better start and Malachi and Conan Johnstons combined to send PJ Quinn in to split the posts. Tom Shivers then vfollowed with back to back points and Cargin had earned a three point advantage.
Aldergrove attempted to respond but found it difficult to break down the home defence where Sean Og Quinn and Cahir Donnelly were giving nothing away and replacement Craig Thornton placed Eunan Quinn to fire over the bar and increase the Cargin lead.
Quinn then combine with Thornton to send Tom Shivers in for a 55th minute point and the home side enjoyed a 3-17 to 2-12 lead and they looked on their way to victory.
Aldergrove to their credit kept battling to the end and Kian Jones, who had been substituted earlier and reintroduced added a couple of late points before Oisin McGarry pulled off an excellent save to deny Tom Shivers his hat trick in the 60th minute with Cargin breasting the winning line at 2-17 to 3-09.
Cargin: Colm Paul Mc Kernan, Caomhinn Kennedy, Sean og Quinn, Cahir Donnell,, Malachi Johnston, Conan Johnston, Conan Kennedy, Oran Molloy, Eunan Quinn (0-05), Ben Dobbin, Shane Gribbon, Sean Mc Auley, PJ Quinn (0-03), Conor Kelly, Tom Shivers (2-09)
