Category / Division 1

by thesaffrongael

Shamrocks Impress To Defeat The Johnnies

Bathshack Senior Hurling Championship

Group One

Loughgiel 0-30 St John’s 3-14

Saturday 12 September

Brendan McTaggart reports from Fr Healy Park, Loughgiel

Loughgiel exacted some form of revenge for their final defeat last year when they saw off the challenge of St John’s with seven points to spare on Saturday afternoon.  This was a hugely entertaining game of hurling that was played largely in the best manner but the main talking point of the contest was the scenes at the final whistle.

Both sides got involved in ugly scenes which looked to have calmed when trouble erupted on the terracing of Fr Healy Park.  Scenes that no one wants to see at a GAA ground, but these are matters for the county board to officiate on, and for another day.

The game itself?  Loughgiel showed their championship credentials.  The Shamrocks raised the white flag on 30 occasions, 22 of those from open play and eight different scorers.  They showed resilience and a determination that might not have been there in the past at different times throughout this contest.  St John’s got goals at the perfect times for them and kept them in touch with the home side.  Each time the Shamrocks dug in a little further.

Seven points is perhaps a little harsh on the reigning champions.  They always looked like they were capable of scoring goals and definitely tested the resolve of the Loughgiel full back line with an array of high ball going their way.  Conall Bohill and Oisin Donnelly being employed in there at different times.

James McNaughton was top of the scoring charts for the Shamrocks while Paul Boyle and Shan McGrath shared eight points evenly between them.  Ryan McKee, Declan and Rory McCloskey also excelling for the home side.

Oisin MacManus, Oisin Donnelly and Conor Johnston rose green flags for the Johnnies who welcomes Peter McCallin back into their 15.  The centre half donning a St John’s shirt for the first time since they were defeated by Slaughtneil in last years Ulster Championship, Conor Johnston also making a welcome return to the starting team from injury.

The Shamrocks hit the final five scores of the game to finish the tie with a flourish and seal top place in the group and a spot in the last four.

Rian McMullan fired three of Loughgiel’s opening four points in the first five minutes of the game while Oisin MacManus and Conall Bohill split the uprights for the Johnnies.

A brace of frees from James McNaughton opened a four point lead for the Shamrocks before MacManus scored the opening major in the 10th minute.  While MacManus applied the finish, it owed much to the speed and agility of Caolan Wilson in the build up as he drew in the Loughgiel defence before finding MacManus in space.

The home side continued to go about their business with Roan McGarry splitting the uprights from a free in response while Ben McGarry and Roan went close for a major but miscued his pull with the goal at his mercy.

The Johnnies restored parity to the scores with points from Conor Johnston and Aaron Bradley midway through the half but they wouldn’t register another score for 10 minutes while Loughgiel opened up an advantage.

A run of seven points unanswered from McNaughton, McMullan, Ben McGarry, Shan McGrath, Boyle and a Rian McKee sideline put the hosts seven clear with a little over five minutes of the half remaining.

St John’s responded with MacManus’ second free of the game before Oisin Donnelly scored their second major.  Domhnall Nugent sending the sliotar into the danger area from a free and as the sliotar broke loose, Donnelly swung one handed to pull on the sliotar to the back of the net.

A brace of McNaughton frees all but cancelled out Donnelly’s major before Shea Shannon fired over the last score of the half with the last touch to leave the half time score 0-16 to 2-6 in Loughgiel’s favour.

The half time break did little to deter the two sides attacking momentum with McKee splitting the posts seconds after the restart.  St John’s found the back of the Loughgiel net with the next attack with Conor Johnston hammering home to leave just two between the sides.

That lead was reduced to the minimum after a brace of Shea Shannon frees came after Paul Boyle’s third white flag of the contest as the sides went toe to toe.

The second half was a clash of styles with the Johnnies looking to employ a mix of their short passing style and sending the sliotar long.  Loughgiel looked to have reshuffled their pack to deal with that danger from the Johnnies while McKee, Jack McCloskey, McGrath and McNaughton were at their accurate best in front of the posts.

Shea Shannon had taken over the free-taking duties from MacManus in the second half with the Johnnies man not lining out after half time.  He kept St John’s in touch while Conor Johnston and Oisin Donnelly also found their range.

Two points separated the sides after Donnelly’s point and with seven minutes of the contest remaining, the game was still in the balance.  The Johnnies wouldn’t register another score however as the Loughgiel defence dealt with everything coming their way while McNaughton, Rian McMullan, Roan McGarry and Shan McGrath all added gloss to the scoreline for the Shamrocks.

This was a brilliant game that had so many wonderful talking points during the 60 plus minutes of action.  The scenes at the end are what the game will be remembered for, however.  Loughgiel can look forward to a four week break before lining up a semi final while St John’s will look to tomorrows game between Glenariffe and Naomh Éanna.  They will play the winners in a quarter final in two weeks time.

TEAMS

Loughgiel Starting XV: Cormac McFadden; Rory McCloskey, Enda Og McGarry, Liam Glackin; Caolan Blair, Declan McCloskey, Ben McGarry; Ryan McKee, James McNaughton; Rian McMullan, Ronan Fitzgerald, Dan McCloskey; Roan McGarry, Paul Boyle, Shan McGrath

  • Subs: Ruairi McCormick for R Fitzgerald (41); Jack McCloskey for D McCloskey (41); Christy McGarry for C Blair (46); Tiago McGarry for R McGarry (60+2)
  • Scorers: J McNaughton 0-9 (6fs, 1’65); R McMullan 0-5; P Boyle 0-4; S McGrath 0-4; R McKee 0-3; B McGarry 0-2; R McGarry 0-2 (1f)

St John’s Starting XV: Domhnall Nugent; Ryan McNulty, Ciaran Johnston, Conall Morgan; Sean Wilson, Peter McCallin, Enda McGurk; Caoimhin Hanna, Aaron Bradley; Oisin Donnelly, Conor Johnston, Conall Bohill; Caolan Wilson, Shea Shannon, Oisin MacManus

  • Subs: Michael Bradley for O MacManus (HT); Ronan Donnelly for C Wilson (44); Ruairi Galbraith for A Bradley (60+1)
  • Scorers: S Shannon 0-6 (4fs); Conor Johnston 1-2; O MacManus 1-2 (2fs); O Donnelly 1-1; A Bradley 0-1; C Bohill 0-1; M Bradley 0-1

Referee: Darren McKeown (St Galls)

To see more of Brendan’s photos from the game, click on this link….

https://myalbum.com/album/FhABPPUuBwgedB/?invite=60ecdb2b-62df-45b9-b664-0c49f2de7ad3

To see photos from Michael Corcoran, click the following link….

https://myalbum.com/album/yZGW7rhdVfbBu8/?invite=305f930c-9f4c-443f-b581-9df3d2f18777

by thesaffrongael

Rossa’s second-half goal blitz sinks the Oisins in league finale

Antrim Hurling League – Division 1

Glenariffe Oisins 0-19 | Rossa 4-18

Pics by Micky Morgan

Glenariffe Oisins and visitors Rossa played out a highly entertaining, high-scoring clash in Glenariffe in their final league outing of the campaign. While the result had no bearing on the final league standings, both sides used the fixture to fine-tune their squads ahead of their respective Championship campaigns looming just a few weeks away. Ultimately, it was the visitors who laid down a serious Championship marker, pulling away in the second half with a ruthless display of goal-scoring.

The opening quarter was a tight, point-for-point affair. Oisins settled quickly with an early free from the highly accurate Alex O’Boyle and a tidy score from play by Oisin Gillan. Rossa’s response was swift, finding their rhythm through their number Aodhan O’Brien and number Eoin Trainor.

The first major turning point arrived in the 7th minute when Rossa’s Daire Murphy buried a penalty to the net. Undeterred, the home side kept the scoreboard ticking over with excellent scores from Michael O’Boyle and Patrick McIlwaine. By the time the referee called for the first water break, Rossa held the narrowest of leads at 1-3 to 0-5.

The second quarter continued in much the same vein. Eoin McFerran and Rossa’s Dominic McEnhill were lively, but Glenariffe stayed right on their heels. Alex O’Boyle was clinical from placed balls, while Canice McIntosh also split the posts to ensure Oisins went into the half-time interval trailing by just a single point, 0-10 to 1-8.

Rossa Pull Away After the Restart

If the first half was a tense battle, the second half belonged entirely to the Belfast men. Rossa emerged from the dressing room with serious attacking intent. Though Daniel Haughey and Oliver Kearney landed early points to keep Glenariffe in the hunt, Rossa’s ability to find the back of the net proved to be the decisive factor.

Rossa’s Daire Murphy grabbed his second goal of the game in the 13th minute of the half, creating a cushion that Oisins struggled to close. Despite a brilliant exhibition of striking from Alex O’Boyle—who landed several frees and a beautiful sideline cut—the visitors’ forward line was simply overwhelming.

Rossa’s Aodhan O’Brien put the game firmly to bed in the final ten minutes, firing home two rapid-fire goals in the 23rd and 29th minutes to kill off any hope of a Glenariffe comeback.

Looking Ahead to Championship

For Rossa, this was an ideal tune-up. Registering 4-18, particularly with such a devastating second-half performance, will give them massive momentum heading into the Championship.

For the Oisins, despite the final scoreline, there are plenty of positives to take. Racking up 19 points against a strong Rossa side is no small feat, and the form of Alex O’Boyle will be a major asset in their upcoming knockout fixtures. They will, however, be looking to tighten up their defensive structure to prevent the kind of goal-leaks that cost them the game today.

Rossa – Stephen Beatty 1, Niall Crossan at 2, Christopher McGuinness at 3, Ciarán Orchin at 4. Eoin Trainor 5 Declan McCartney 6 and Diarmaid Rogan 7. Corey Walsh 8 Luca McCusker 9. Liam McEnhill 10, Dáire Murphy11, Dominic McEnhill12, Aodhan O’Brien13, Joseph Mulholland 14, Deaglan Murphy 15.

Glenariffe – 1. Paul McMullan, 2. Odhran Gillan, 3. Colla Ward, 4. Donal Kearney, 5. Connor Patterson, 6. James Kearney, 7. Canice McIntosh, 8. Calum McIlwaine, 9. Patrick McIlwaine, 10. Brogan O’Connor, 11. Oliver Kearney, 12. Michael O’Boyle, 13. Alex O’Boyle, 14. Daniel Haughey, 15. Oisin Gillan

Rossa scorers – Daire Murphy 2-6 (1 pen, 0-5 frees)
Aodhan O Brien 1-3
Deaglan Murphy 1-1
Dominic McEnhill 0-2
Liam McEnhill 0-2
Eoin Trainor , Aidan Orchin, Tiarnan Murphy , Luca McCusker 0-1

Referee – Declan McGarry (Loughgiel)

TO SEE MORE OF MICKY MORGAN’S PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/J3wMaeahaVrd7R/?invite=e1ed9002-b5c1-4d09-a988-a5e844ed1739

by thesaffrongael

Shamrocks storm to victory as second-half goal blitz sinks the Johnnies

Antrim All-County Hurling League – Division 1

Loughgiel Shamrocks 5-27 St. John’s 1-21

Fr. Healy Park, Loughgiel

Pics by Bert Trowlen

The rivalry between Loughgiel Shamrocks and St. John’s renewed its vigour at Fr. Healy Park, carrying all the competitive edge you would expect from two sides that clashed in last year’s tightly contested Championship final. On that occasion, the Johnnies edged it in a thriller, but as both sides build up their preparations for this season’s campaign, the tempo is clearly rising once again.

Though both teams were short a few regulars, the standard of hurling on display remained exceptionally high. The match started with a furious flurry of scores from both sides. St. John’s relied heavily on the lethal accuracy of Oisín McManus, who knocked over a succession of fine scores from both placed balls and open play, alongside well-taken points from Aaron Bradley, Fearghal MacManus, and Ruáirí Galbraith.

Loughgiel, however, found answers all over the pitch. Roan McGarry, Shan McGrath, and Daniel McCloskey were clinical, while defenders Declan McCloskey and Ruairí McCormick even standard-beared long-range points from deep inside their own half. The crucial breakthrough of the opening period came in the 18th minute. A beautifully worked team move sliced through the St. John’s defense, allowing Jack McCloskey to rifle the ball into the back of the net. By the halftime whistle, Loughgiel had ground out a hard-earned four-point cushion, leading 1-15 to 0-14.

Second-Half Avalanche

After the change of ends, any thoughts of another nail-biting finish were quickly dispelled as the Shamrocks pushed home their advantage with devastating authority. While St. John’s momentarily found hope when Michael Bradley pounced on a defensive mix-up to slot home a goal, Loughgiel simply went into overdrive.

The Shamrocks hit a merciless purple patch, raining down four more goals on the St. John’s net. Cahal Hargan raised a green flag almost immediately after the Johnnies’ goal, followed shortly by a second major from the unstoppable Jack McCloskey. James McNaughton, who had been a constant livewire in the forward line, then saw his brilliant effort partially stopped by the St. John’s keeper only to force its way over the goal line.

As the fog rolled heavily across Fr. Healy Park making visibility difficult in the closing stages, Jack McCloskey capped off a masterful individual performance by completing his hat-trick with another well-worked team goal.

Points from Patrick Laverty, Ronan Fitzgerald, and Ryan McKee capped off a commanding performance from the home side. St. John’s kept fighting until the final whistle with late replies from Michael Bradley and Aaron Bradley, but the evening belonged to the Shamrocks, who ran out convincing winners on a final scoreline of 5-27 to 1-21.

LOUGHGIEL SHAMROCKS: S. McDonnell (0-1), C. Blair, C. Dickson, R. Fitzgerald (0-3), L. Glackin (0-1), C. Hargan (1-0), Conall McCloskey, D. McCloskey (0-2), Declan McCloskey (0-2), J. McCloskey (3-3), R. McCormick (0-2), E. McGarry, R. McGarry (0-3), T. McGarry, S. McGrath (0-1), R. McKee (0-2), J. McNaughton (1-1), E. Smyth, P. Laverty (0-1).

ST. JOHN’S: S. Doherty, A. Bradley (0-3), M. Bradley (1-1), O. Carleton, A. Downey, R. Galbraith (0-1), B. McFall, O. McManus (0-12), C. Morgan (0-1), R. Donnelly, S. Shannon, S. Wilson, J. Wilson, F. MacManus (0-1), L. McCallin.

Since he is no longer involved in the World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo had decided to work for the Saffron Gael for a week or two. Bert grabbed a shot of him (Cayden Laverty) during the half time break

TO SEE MORE OF BERT’S PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/fG99ow4iskgKVb/?invite=a9e88e1b-c362-445e-9de5-4d96ada0cdf3

by thesaffrongael

Stunning Ballygalget Second Half Sinks Naomh Éanna

Senior Hurling League

Division One

Naomh Éanna 3-13 Ballygalget 2-19

Wednesday 8 July

Brendan McTaggart reports from the Hightown Road

Ballygalget produced a remarkable second half on Wednesday evening that saw the Down men overturn an eight point half time deficit into a three point win and condemn Naomh Éanna to relegation.

It was an evening where the stakes were high on the Hightown Road with the home side knowing that nothing other than a win would see them ply their trade in Division Two next year and at half time, Naomh Éanna were well placed.  Two first half goals from Joe Maskey went a long way to building an eight point advantage and in truth, it should have been more.

Ballygalet were a team transformed after the restart however, led superbly by Marc Fisher and second half goals from Daniel Toner and Oisin Coulter, they reeled in the Naomh Éanna advantage.

Fisher would finish top of the scoring charts for the ‘Galget with all but one of his eight points coming from placed ball – all in the second half, while they had nine different scorers on the evening.  Tim Prenter and Shea Pucci impressed throughout while the introduction of Oisin Coulter and Dara Pucci had a major say on the outcome of the game.

Naomh Éanna will undoubtedly look at this one and wonder how they contrived to let it slip from their hands.  Yes, Ballygalget started the second half like a different team but Niall O’Connor’s 44th minute penalty put three between the sides going into the final quarter.  They never took advantage or built momentum from that score however, recording just two more points after the second half water break as Ballygalget pushed for home.

The home side made the brighter start to the contest, scoring four points in the opening six minutes with two coming for Ballygalget.  Niall O’Connor with the opening two points of the game while a brace from Cormac Jennings (one free) were answered with scored from Jordan Doran and Michael Dorrian.

Naomh Éanna were well on top but a run of poor wides and a half chance for goal going off target from Manus Mullan looked to derail any chances of extending their advantage.  Cormac Jennings and Daniel Toner exchanged frees before the opening goal of the game in the 14th minute.  Malachi McGibbon delivering the ball long into the corner were the sliotar was met by a galloping Joe Maskey.  The Naomh Éanna man had plenty of work to do but he rounded his marker and made no mistake having made up the ground to Eoin Clarke’s goals.

Ruairi Donaghy’s first of the evening gave Naomh Éanna a six point half time lead and on the balance of the play before the first half water break, that was the least the home side deserved.

The second major came soon after the restart half way through the half and in similar fashion to the first goal.  This time it was Eoin Conlon who delivered the sliotar for Maskey and while it took a couple of attempts, he made no mistake to put nine between the sides.

The sides went tit for tat for the remainder of the game with the visitors reducing that Naomh Éanna lead to eight before the short whistle.

To say Ballygalget were a different team in the second half might be the understatement of the season.  Marc Fisher took over the free taking responsibility and had the white flag raised twice inside the opening two minutes of the restart before Prenter split the uprights.

Eoin Conlon registered Naomh Éanna’s opening score of the second half but the sides would be tied before the home side would register another score as Ballygalget upped their intensity levels.

A brace of points from Fisher (one free) preceded a Daniel Toner goal in the 37th minute.  The ‘Galget taking advantage of some indecision in the Naomh Éanna defence while Eoin Pucci fired over with his first touch after his introduction less than a minute prior.

Ruairi Donaghy and Fisher (free) swapped scores before the home side were awarded a penalty for a foul on Christopher Roberts inside the square.  The chance owed much to the brilliance of Maskey to keep the sliotar alive but Matthews had no choice with the young Naomh Éanna forward clearly impeded.  Niall O’Connor stepped up to take the resulting penalty and found the back of the net despite Eoin Clarke going the right way.

A brace of wides from Ballygalget looked to further dent their challenge going into the second half water break but they continue to punish any errors by Naomh Éanna and added to the mounting pressure on the home side.  Toner (free) and Ruairi Donaghy swapped scored before Ballygalget scored their second major in the 52nd minute.  Shea Pucci delivering a sideline ball into the danger area where Coulter despatched the sliotar to the back of the net to tie the sides.

A pointed Fisher free in the 55th minute gave Ballygalet the lead for the first time in the game and while Cormac Jennings split the uprights with his third free of the evening and fifth overall, it was the home sides last score.

The Down men hit three points unanswered with a brace of frees from Fisher and Ben Teggart adding his name to the list of scorers.

Naomh Éanna pushed for goals and had the sliotar ball in the back of the net after a scramble that saw Christopher Roberts fire home.  Referee Matthews had blown his whistle having played advantage and seemingly that advantage lost before Roberts struck home, much to the dismay of the home side.

A heartbreaking end to the league campaign for Naomh Éanna who will have to dust themselves down ahead of the senior championship in a little under five weeks time while Ballygalget live to fight another day and a play-off date with whoever finishes second in Division Two.

TEAMS

Naomh Éanna starting XV: Niall McGivern; Ronan Eager, Diarmuid Maguire, Aaron Quinn; Eoin Conlon, Cian O’Connor, Ciarán McAllister; Oisin Ó Cuinn, Malachi McGibbon; Manus Mullan, Cormac Jennings, Ruairi Donaghy; Killian Jennings, Joe Maskey, Niall O’Connor

  • Subs: Christopher Roberts for K Jennings (27), Cormac McCann for M Mullan (52)
  • Scorers: J Maskey 2-00; C Jennings 0-5 (3fs); N O’Connor 1-2 (1-00 pen); R Donaghy 0-4; E Conlon 0-2

Ballygalget starting XV: Eoin Clarke; Michael Toner, Ciaran Watson, Caolan Coulter; Ben Teggart, Marc Fisher, Brook Byers; Cormac Coulter, Tim Prenter; Jordan Doran, Shea Pucci, Cathal Coulter; Daniel Toner, Michael Dorrian, Owen McDermott

  • Subs: Eoin Pucci for M Dorrian (37), John McManus for C Coulter (52), Dara Pucci for J Doran (45), Oisin Coulter for O McDermott (53)
  • Scorers: M Fisher 0-8 (6fs, 1’65), D Toner 1-2 (2fs), O Coulter 1-00, M Dorrian 0-2, T Prenter 0-2, B Teggart 0-1, C Coulter 0-1, J Doran 0-1, O McDermott 0-1, E Pucci 0-1

Referee: Ray Matthews (Rossa)

To see more of Brendan’s photos from the game, click on the link below…..

https://myalbum.com/album/4yqf6ZaGp7xTbm/?invite=e52c1260-9008-4351-a765-16cd8528aad9

by thesaffrongael

Cuchullains Step Closer to League Title

Senior Hurling League

Division One

Dunloy 2-23 Ballycastle 0-15

Sunday 28 June

Brendan McTaggart reports from Pearse Park, Dunloy

Dunloy maintained their course for the league title with a comfortable win over Ballycastle on Sunday afternoon.  A 14 point victory that saw them score two goals in the first half and their starting front six all on the scoresheet by the short whistle, the Cuchullains gave Ballycastle a torrid afternoon.  An eye opening 2-18 of Dunloy’s final tally coming from open play with Conal ‘Coby’ Cunning top of the scoring charts once again.

With a makeshift half back line keeping a lively Ballycastle attack at bay, the Dunloy goals came from Ciaran Elliott and Nicky McKeague, helping the home side to develop a lead and daylight between the sides in the first half.

In fairness, both sides were missing plenty of regulars and the Town were certainly more effected.  They did have solid performers in Conor Boyd and Eamon Elliott, the Ballycastle netminder producing a number of top saves throughout to deny the Cuchullains while Ardan Kelly and Cadhan Crawford always looked threatening in attack.  Kelly in particular with a number of runs from midfield that kept the Dunloy defence honest.

The first goal of the game came in the fourth minute with the sides tied on one point apiece.  Oisin McCallin and Seamus McAuley (free) raising white flags before Ciaran Elliott’s mahor.  Sean Og Blaney delivering a crossfield that saw Elliott steal out in front of his marker.  He was round him before the Ballycastle defence could react and made no mistake with his effort.

A brace of scores from Nigel Elliott followed before McCallin’s second point of the contest.  The young Cuchullain had more on his mind when drilling low but his effort was stopped superbly by Eamon Elliott with the sliotar deflecting over the bar.

A ’65 from McAuley gave the Town their second point of the afternoon in the ninth minute but Dunloy maintained their strong start.  Chrissy McMahon pointing before Nicky McKeague’s major in the 12 minute.  McKeague was in a world of space when he received the pass but the work rate of McMahon in the build-up to dispossess the Ballycastle defence laid the chance on a silver plate.

Coby Cunning brought the best out of Eamon Elliott shortly after as Dunloy looked to go for the jugular but they did extend their lead to double figures after the opening quarter with scored from Ciaran Elliott and Coby Cunning.

The McQuillan’s seemed to find their footing in the second quarter and outscored Dunloy for the remainder of the half.  Scores coming from Seamus McAuley, Boyd, Kelly, Crawford, Ronan McCarry and Niall McKenna while the Dunloy scores came from McMahon, Seaan Elliott, McKeague and Nigel Elliott to leave the half time score 2-10 to 0-8 in Dunloy’s favour.

Despite playing against the wind in the second half, Dunloy made a strong start to the second half.  Paudie McGilligan and Coby Cunning splitting the uprights in the first minute while Seaan Elliott tested the reflexes of Eamon Elliott between the sticks.  Coby converted the resulting ’65 and while Dunloy were well on top, their accuracy was letting them down in front of the target.

Ballycastle opened their second half account with a free from Seamus McAuley but they were denied a major with Ryan Elliott denying Neal McAuley moments later.

A run of four unanswered points from McKeague, substitute Eoin O’Neill and a brace from Cunning extended the home sides lead further before Kelly split the uprights for his second point of the game in the 47th minute.

Seaan Elliott responded with his second white flag of the half before Niall McKenna and Ronan McCarry responded for the Town.  Seamus McAuley tested the abilities of Ryan Elliott in between the sticks with a fiercely driven 21 yard free but the Dunloy shot stopper was equal to his effort.

Dunloy continued to keep the scoreboard ticking in the final 10 minutes with Coby Cunning raising the white flag on another four occasions while Cian Baudant, Seamus McAuley and Ardan Kelly responded for the home side.

With just one match remaining in the league, the Cuchullains know that a positive result against St John’s on Wednesday evening will see the league crown returning to Pearse Park while Ballycastle’s next game isn’t until 8th July when they host Cushendall in their final game.

TEAMS
Dunloy Starting XV: Ryan Elliott; Oran Quinn, Ryan McGarry, Sean Og Blaney; Barry Scott, Aaron Crawford, Eamon Smyth; Seaan Elliott, Paudie McGilligan; Nigel Elliott, Nicky McKeague, Chrissy McMahon; Ciaran Elliott, Conal Cunning, Oisin McCallin

  • Subs: Eoin O’Neill for O McCallin (HT), Ryan Mort for S Og Blaney (44)
  • Scorers: C Cunning 0-9 (4fs, 1’65), N McKeague 1-2, C Elliott 1-1, N Elliott 0-3, O McCallin 0-2, C McMahon 0-2, S Elliott 0-2, P McGilligan 0-1, E O’Neill 0-1

Ballycastle Starting XV: Eamon Elliott; Oran Kearney, Conal Colgan, Patrick McAlonan; Cian Baudant, Conor Boyd, Eoin McAlonan; Niall McClean, Ardan Kelly; Ronan McCarry, Orann Donnelly, Neal McAuley; Seamus McAuley, Niall McKenna, Cadhan Crawford

  • Subs: Cormac Donnelly for P McAlonan (44), Darragh Donnelly for E McAlonan (44)
  • Scorers: S McAuley 0-5 (2fs, 2’65s), A Kelly 0-3, R McCarry 0-2, N McKenna 0-2, C Crawford 0-1, C Baudant 0-1, C Boyd 0-1 (1f)

Referee: Tarlach Conway (Rasharkin)

To see more of Brendan’s photos from the game, select the link below….

https://myalbum.com/album/zC5okpi5nUHMWj/?invite=808f7ea5-572e-4722-b6b9-cb95d6d1ac1b