Antrim Hurling League – Division One

Dunloy 0-25 Loughgiel 3-14

Wednesday 28 May

Brendan McTaggart reports from Healy Park, Loughgiel

Loughgiel and Dunloy put on a show for the large crowd at Healy Park on Wednesday evening where there wasn’t a quarter spared.  It was the visitors who took away the league points on offer with two between the sides at the final whistle but this was a contest that really could have gone either way.

It was Dunloy’s second half performance and a purple patch in particular that saw the Cuchullains score 11 points in the space of 15 minutes with just a solitary free from Shan McGrath the response from the Shamrocks that ultimately was the winning of the game.

The home side’s ability to create goal chances meant they were always within touching distance.  Two first half goals from Paul Boyle and Rian McMullan were added to by a 53^rd minute major from a Christy McGarry penalty – McMullan’s first half performance a serious highlight for the Shamrocks with ‘Bubbles’ 1-5 of his overall 1-6 in the opening half an hour.

For the Cuchullains, they had 10 different scorers throughout and it was Nicky McKeague who once again shone.  He would raise 13 white flags, three of those from play while Tom McFerran chipped in with four points from open play.

While they rarely looked like carving the Shamrock defence apart and scoring majors, the Cuchullains ability to retain possession and find the man in space proved to be the difference.

Loughgiel found the opening two scores of the game from Shan McGrath and McMullan before a brace of scores came from Tom McFerran for the Cuchullains – those coming from either side line and a sign of what was to come from both teams with this being an hour of some excellent scores.

McKeague’s first free of the match edged his side ahead before scores from Darragh Patterson and McMullan had the home side ahead by the minimum.

The Cuchullains half back line began to take an element of control on the game and would keep Loughgiel scoreless for 12 minutes while adding a further five points themselves.  Luke McFerran, Padraig Martin, Tom McFerran, Ryan Mort and McKeague (free) giving the Cuchullains a four point lead.

McMullan and Shan McGrath would fire over for the Shamrocks either side of McKeague’s third of the half and first from play before Loughgiel scored their first goal of the game.  It came in the 26^th minute and owed much to the persistence of Rian McMullan more than anything as twice he was denied by Eoghan Richmond in the Dunloy goals before finally pulling on the sliotar to find the back of the net.  It was an incredible double save from the Dunloy netminder but McMullan wasn’t to be denied to give his side the lead.

A brace of McKeague points either side of McMullan’s fifth point of the half left the sides tied on 1-8 to 0-11 in injury time but it was Loughgiel who finished the half with a flourish.

A tidy score from Dan McCloskey was followed by their second major from Paul Boyle.  Capitalising on the Cuchullains defence out of position, Boyle stole through and despite the best efforts of Richmond, managed to squeeze the sliotar over the line with the last meaningful action of the half.

Loughgiel holding a four point lead at half time started the second half on top with a brace of points from McMullan and McGrath (free) and while they wouldn’t register another score for 11 minutes, Dunloy fired over eight points in that same time. 

Scores coming from substitute Keelan Molloy, Ciaran Elliott, Ben O’Kane, Aodhan McGarry and four from McKeague (two ‘65’s, one free) before McGrath’s third free of the match and fourth white flag overall left the home side trailing by the minimum with the score line 0-19 to 2-12 with a quarter of the game remaining.

Three pointed frees in as many minutes from McKeague extended the Dunloy advantage further before Loughgiel were awarded a penalty in the 52^nd minute.  McGrath made a rampaging run before he was unceremoniously upended by Kevin Molloy with substitute Christy McGarry firing the sliotar to the back of the net.

Dunloy’s radar seemed to have left them with the home side playing with more swagger at the death and but for the brilliance of Richmond, Roan McGarry could have added a fourth goal for the Shamrock’s.  Christy McGarry would point the resulting ’65 in the second minute of injury time to leave the sides tied.

It was the Cuchullains who finished with a bit more composure however with Kevin Molloy and Tom McFerran firing over at the death.

This quickly turned into a game not for the faint of heart with referee Tarlach Conway needing eyes on the back of his head at times with tackles coming hard and fast.  There’ll be plenty of sore bodies in the morning either side of the sheugh but for now, it’s the Cuchullains who have the bragging rights.

TEAMS

Loughgiel: John Francis Connolly; Rory McCloskey, Enda Og McGarry, Damon McMullan; Conall McCloskey, Declan McCloskey, Caolan Blair; Ryan McKee, Darragh Patterson; Rian McMullan, Daniel McCloskey, Shan McGrath; Roan McGarry, Paul Boyle, Jack McCloskey

Subs: Ruairi McCormick for D McMullan (HT); Liam Glackin for D McCloskey (38); Eoin McGarry for J McCloskey (46); Christy McGarry for R McKee (49); Ben McGarry for S McGrath (46)

Scorers: R McMullan 1-6; S McGrath 0-4 (3f); P Boyle 1-1; C McGarry 1-1 (1-0 pen, 1’65); D Patterson 0-1; D McCloskey 0-1

Dunloy: Eoghan Richmond; Eoin McFerran, Ryan McGarry, Oran Quinn; Eamon Smyth, Kevin Molloy, Ben O’Kane; Ciaran Elliott, Aodhan McGarry; Ryan Mort, Nicky McKeague, Tom McFerran; Padraig Martin, Luke McFerran, Anton McGrath

Subs: Keelan Molloy for E Smyth (4); Eoin O’Neill for P Martin (29)

Scorers: N McKeague 0-13 (8fs 2’65’s); T McFerran 0-4; Kevin Molloy 0-1; B O’Kane 0-1; C Elliott 0-1; A McGarry 0-1; R Mort 0-1; P Martin 0-1; L McFerran 0-1; Keelan Molloy 0-1

Referee: Tarlach Conway (Ballinascreen)

ACHL Division 1

Ruairi Og 1-20 St. Enda’s 2-12

Joseph McNaughton and Fintan Bradley share 1-12 as last year’s championship winners, Ruairi Og recorded their third win of the season against a spirited St. Enda’s at Middle Park on Sunday.

The Glengormley side were well in contention until late in the game after trailing by the minimum at the break with Frank Kane in splendid form and he would end the game with 2-1 to his credit.

Kane’s point came in the first half and points from Killian Jennings 0-2, Luke O’Connor, Ruairi Donaghy, Cormac Jennings 0-2, Dara Maguire and Ciaran McAllister saw the visitors trail 0-9 to 0-10 at the break.

Ruairi Og’s upped the ante in the second half but 2 goals from Frank Kane kept the visitors in touch though they were only able to add 3 further points in the second half through Ruairi Donaghy 0-2 f’s and Cormac Jennings.

Ronan Eager was in great form for the visitors and was their best performer while Oisin Quinn, Dara Maguire, Luke O’Connor and Eoin Conlon gave it everything for the Hightown men

Antrim Senior Hurling League Division 1

Dunloy 3-27 Ballycastle 1-16

Sunday 18 May

Brendan McTaggart reports from Pearse Park, Dunloy

A man of the match performance from Luke McFerran helped Dunloy to a comfortable win against Ballycastle on Sunday afternoon.  Lining out at full forward, McFerran would finish the match with 1-4, have his hand in another major and so much more as the Cuchullains put Ballycastle to the sword.

Nicky McKeague would top score for the home side, finishing the hour with 1-10 while Deaglan Smith and Tom McFerran all chipped in substantially from open play.

Playing into a substantial breeze, Dunloy’s work rate and fluency in the opening half laid the foundations for the Dunloy victory.  Ballycastle struggled to curtail their attacking unit that had a spread of 10 different scorers throughout.

Ballycastle had sporadic moments of joy and but for the brilliance and bravery of Eoghan Richmond between the sticks, could have added to their goal tally.  Tiarnan Smyth top scored for The Town, finishing the match with 1-5 while half time substitute Lorcan Donnelly had a positive impact with his speed and direct running at a well marshalled home defence.  Ronan ‘Rambo’ McCarry was carrying the fight for Ballycastle before having to come off at half time while Ardan Kelly and Seamus McAuley worked tirelessly throughout.

The first goal of the game came in the fourth minute with the home side three points to one ahead.  Anton McGrath spraying the sliotar into the path of Ryan Mort and while the danger looked to have been quelled, Mort found Nicky McKeague running through the middle and despite the bravery of Eamon Elliott between the sticks for Ballycastle, McKeague squeezed the sliotar over the line.

Dunloy continued to dominate the middle third and could have had another major midway through the half, McGrath’s effort well saved by the Ballycastle ‘keeper.

The home side had stretched the lead to eight points going into first half injury time when they found the back of the net again.  Luke McFerran with the assist and Mort with the finish to give Dunloy an 11 point lead.

Nicky McKeague fired over his third free of the half to take his personal tally to 1-5 ended the scoring to leave the half time score 2-12 to 0-6 in the home sides favour.

Despite playing into the elements, Ballycastle started the second half strongly and played with more urgency.  The home side did manage to extend their lead to 13 but the McQuillan’s managed to score their first goal of the game in the 35^th minute.  Collecting a long ball, Tiarnan Smyth got the yard needed before giving Richmond no chance between the sticks.

It could have been better for the visitors but Lorcan Donnelly’s effort from an acute angle was saved superbly by Richmond and deflected over the bar.

A trio of points unanswered by the home side cancelled out Smyth’s major before Ballycastle had another goal chance.  Conor Donnelly this time with his eyes on the Dunloy goal but the Cuchullains full back Sean Óg Blaney produced a blind side block to deny the Ballycastle forward with the goal at his mercy.

The third Dunloy goal came mid way through the second half and was down to the genius of Luke McFerran again.  Getting on the end of a long delivery, he deflected the sliotar into his path.  His initial shot was well saved by Eamon Elliott but McFerran was first to the breaking ball and fired home to the empty net.

With the difference 13 points, the Cuchullains were relentless in the final quarter.  Scoring seven points in the last five minute and the couple of minutes of injury time played while Smyth and Lorcan Donnelly added to their tally for the visitors.

A comprehensive win for the Cuchullains who travel to Loughgiel in their next game on Wednesday 28 May while Ballycastle entertain Cushendall on the same evening.

TEAMS

Dunloy: Eoghan Richmond; Oran Quinn, Sean Og Blaney, Conor Kinsella; Eamon Smyth, Kevin Molloy, Ben O’Kane; Deaglan Smith, Oisin McCamphill; Ronan Molloy, Nicky McKeague, Tom McFerran; Ryan Mort, Luke McFerran, Anton McGrath

Scorers: N McKeague 1-10 (7fs 1’65); L McFerran 1-4; D Smith 0-4; T McFerran 0-3; R Mort 1-00; A McGrath 0-2; E Smyth 0-1; B O’Kane 0-1; Jack Martin 0-1; Ryan McFarline 0-1

Ballycastle: Eamon Elliott; Oran Kearney, Conal McColgan, Ryan McCook; Criostai McAuley, Mark McClean, Ardan Kelly; Seamus McAuley, Cathair Donnelly; Ronan McCarry, Ronan Laverty, Darragh Donnelly; Conor Donnelly, Neal McAuley, Tiarnan Smyth

Scorers: T Smyth 1-5 (2fs); Lorcan Donnelly 0-3; S McAuley 0-3 (3fs); C Donnelly 0-2; R McCarry 0-2; R Laverty 0-1

Referee: Colin Thompson (St John’s)

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ACHL Division 1

Rossa 3-20 Portaferry 4-16

O’Donovan Rossa produced a storming finish to edge this excellent contest at Rossa Park on Sunday against a Portaferry side who will feel that they should have got something from this game.

The men from the Ards peninsula led 4-14 to 3-11 early in the final quarter after making a strong comeback which saw them hit goals through Cahal Coleman, Deaglan Mallon and Shane Conlan and Rossa looked in bother.

They found a response through the free taking of Deaglan Murphy and a number of fine long range points from James Connolly and Aodhan O’Brien to edge two in front with time almost up with Portaferry’s late response from Cahal Coleman coming up just short.

Murphy would be a major contributor over the hour for the Shaw’s Road side and he fired over a long range free to get them on their way and added another from a ‘65’ to sandwich a goal from James Connolly and a point from Eoin  Trainor.

Portaferry took a time to settle but came back with points from Deaglan Mallon, keeper Pearse Smith from deep in his own half and a long range free from Cahal Coleman to announce their arrival.

A second goal from Connolly when he got the final touch to a long delivery put Rossa 2-3 to 0-3 ahead but Portaferry replied again through the excellent Cahal Coleman 0-2 and Deaglan Mallon to leave just three between the sides.

Connolly for Rossa and Barry Trainor and Deaglan Mallon for the visitors, exchanged points as play swung from end to end and Deaglan Murphy and James Connolly for Rossa and Trainor for Portaferry exchanged further minors as the pace of the game intensified.

The visitors then looked in for a goal but Donal Armstrong in the Rossa goal pulled off a smart save with Deaglan Murphy and Eoghan McMenamin concluding Rossa’s first half scoring and Eoin Magee replying with a monster score for the Ards men.

HT 2-7 TO 0-10

Free taker Murphy edged Rossa four in front on the restart and Pearce Short increased that lead to five before Cahal Coleman finished off a well worked move for Portaferry’s opening goal.

Normal service seemed to have been restored when the impressive Deaglan Murphy finished to the net for the home side’s third goal but the visitors were coming more and more into the game.

Deaglan Mallon closed the gap to two once more with an excellent finish to Donal Armstrong’s net and Niall Fitzsimmons struck a fine long range point before Shane Connlon moved the ‘Ports’ four ahead with his side’s third goal of the contest.

It was compelling viewing as James Connolly and Deaglan Murphy for Rossa exchanged further point with Conor Fay for the visitors and another Murphy free found response from Niall Fitzsimmons following a mix-up in the Rossa defence.

A fourth Portaferry goal from Noah Rogers following a smart turn looked to have put the men from the Ards in a strong position but indiscipline would cost them dearly going down the home straight.

Rossa would out score their opponents 0-8 to 0-3 in the run in to full time with Murphy adding three frees to his impressive total and James Connolly 0-3 and Aodhan O’Brien 0-2 seeing them home by the minimum.

Niall Fitzsimmons, Noah Rogers and Cahal Coleman were the Portaferry marksmen during those final exchanges and they will be scratching their heads on just how they let this one get away from them.

Rossa: 1 Donal Armstrong, 2 Oisin McVicker, 3 Ciaran Orchin, 4 Niall Crossan, 5 Christopher McGuinness, 6 Stephen Beatty, 7 Aodhan O’Brien, 8 Joseph Mulholland 9 Diarmuid Rogan, 10 Eoghan McMenamin, 11 Pearce Short, 12 Daire Murphy, 13 Deaglan Murphy, 14 James Connolly, 15 Eoin Trainor

Subs:

Portaferry: 1 Pearse Smith, 2 Donal Magee, 3 Darragh Mallon, 4 Emmet O’Neill, 5 Barry Trainor, 6 Callum Smith, 7 Ciaran Milligan, 8 Eoin Magee, 9 Shane Conlan, 10 Conor Fay, 11 Deaglan Mallon, 12 Niall Fitzsimmons, 13 Noah Rogers, 14 Brendan Coleman, 15 Cahal Coleman.

Referee: Darren McKeown

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