Intermediate Hurling Championship – Group 2

Glenariffe 2-19 St Gall 0-16

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.

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.

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.

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

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IFC Group 2

Shane Uí Neills              2-21

Naomh Brid Cloughmills       2-12

Report and Pics: Pete Hyndman

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.

Referee: Fionntan Mc Cotter

IFC Group 1

Ahoghill 1-17 St. Paul’s 2-14

Cloney Gaels and St. Paul’s couldn’t be separated in Ahoghill on Friday night in Group 1 of the Intermediate Hurling Championship. The home side played with the breeze in the opening half but failed to take advantage of the elements with the contest tied at 0-9 each at the break.

Against the wind Cloney appeared to be gaining the upper hand and had built up a fairly healthy lead but 2 late goals from the excellent Caolan Ó Duibhfinn earned the visitors a valuable share of the points.

It was tit for tat during the opening exchanges in Ahoghill with the sides tied at 6 apiece after 20 minutes with Ó Duibhfinn 0-3, Sean Og McLaren 0-2 and Thomas Duff on the mark for St. Paul’s and James O’Connell 0-3, Patrick Graham, Donal Graham and Colla McDonnell the Cloney marksmen.

Sean Lawell, Ó Duibhfinn and Declan Chapman brought the visitors total to 9 by the half way stage with Ronan Graham and ‘Jimmy’ O’Connell 0-2 for the home side ensuring it was all tied as Piaras McCaffery sounded the half time whistle.

The Ahoghill side looked to be gaining control at the start of the second half and they struck with points from James O’Connell which sandwiched a Patrick Graham goal in the 3d minute.

Further points from Colla McDonnell and Patrick Graham had the hosts 7 ahead by the 14^th minute and they looked on their way to their second Group 1 win.

The Shaw’s Road side finally opened their second half account when Caolan Ó Duibhfinn split the posts in the 15^th minute from a ‘65’ and he followed with another from a free but points from Diarmuid Graham and two pointed frees from Jimmy O’ looked to have sealed it with 8 minutes remaining.

St. Paul’s had other ideas however as Sean Og McLaren pointed and the impressive Ó Duibhfinn followed with a goal in the 28^th minute and when he added a second, two minutes into in jury time the fat was very much back in the fire.

In between McLaren added two points for the visitors and O’Connell’s 9^th of the evening meant that it was all square at the end of an excellent game of championship hurling.

This result leaves Cloney Gaels topping the table with 3 points from 2 starts while Creggan and Rasharkin are on 2 from one start and St. Paul’s sit 4^th with 1 point from 2 starts.

The Ahoghill men travel to Rasharkin in their next game on Saturday the 23d August while St. Paul’s don’t play again to the 6th September when they entertain Rasharkin.

Ahoghill: 1 Aiden Graham 2. HarryO’Donnell 3. Bobby Magee 4. Paddy Dougan 5. Fionnbar O’Neill 6. Diarmaid Graham 7. Dan O’Neill 8. Eamon Brady 9. Conor Crossey 10. Donal Graham 11. Ronan Graham 12. Patrick Graham 13. Colla McDonnell 14. Eoin Graham 15. James O’Connell.

Subs Used: Bernard Graham for Harry O’Donnell, Owen Neeson for Eoin Graham Tom McGlone for Colla McDonnell

St. Paul’s: 1 Chris Murray, 2 Mark Munce, 3 Daire Stevenson, 4 Tiarnán Auld 5 Thomas Duff, 6 Stephen Rooney, 7 Caoimhin Killyeagh, 8 Sean Lawell (0-1), 9 Diarmuid O’Sullivan, 10 Lorcan Phillips, 11 Sean Og McLaren 0-5, 12 Caolan Crossan, 13 Declan Chapman, 14 Caolan Ó Duibhfinn (2-7),15 Conal Finnegan 0-1

Subs Used: Odhrán Donnelly, Seán Munce, Paudhric McKevitt, Garrett Cowan & Pól Magee.

Referee: Piaras McCaffrey