Casement Social Club Junior Hurling Championship – Round robin 2

Glenarm 2-22 Glen Rovers 3-10

Glenarm Shane O’Neill’s qualified for the knockout stages of the Junior Hurling Championship when they beat Armoy Glen Rovers in the second round-robin game at Feystown on Friday evening. Another win in their final game against Cloughmills would see Glenarm go straight into the semi-final, but though they are still pointless after two games Armoy can still make the quarter finals if Cloughmills were to beat Lamh Dhearg in their round robin game on Saturday and they themselves beat the Hannahstown men in their final game in two weeks’ time.

Armoy were in this game until the last ten minutes of the first half when they trailed by just a point, despite facing a stiff breeze, but a strong finish to that first period by the home side, including a goal from a penalty from man of the match Darren Hamill, saw them pull eight clear by the break put them firmly in charge of the game.

‘Rocky’ Dillon put Armoy ahead in the opening minute, but Darren Hamill had them level within thirty seconds. Owen Kinney put the visitors back ahead on three minutes but Glenarm were settling better into the game and three points from Hamill and one from the excellent Dylan McLaughlin saw them open a three point gap by the tenth minute. Trevor Linton came back with one from a free for the Glen Rovers side, which was answered a minute later by Glenarm’s Padraig McDermot, but Armoy were starting to build a bit of momentum and two minutes later they drew level when great work by midfielder PJ McBride set Linton clear and the full forward fired the ball to the net to bring his team back on terms.

Ciaran Magill and Daniel Black came back with quick replies for the Feystown men but Eoin O’Boyle hit the target for Armoy to leave just a single point separating the sides. It was still that way with just eight minutes of normal time left in the first half, but Glenarm took command and produced a storming finish to all but wrench the game away from the visitors. Darren Hamill started it with a pointed free on 22 minutes and a minute later Dylan McLaughlin added one from play. A good move involving the same two players saw a ball delivered in around the ‘square’ by McLaughlin, and when corner forward  Kevin O’Boyle made a great catch, he was pulled down in the area and referee Paul McSparran had no hesitation in awarding a penalty.

Hamill stepped up to the mark and drove it home, and added two more from points soon afterwards, and though Emmet O’Hara came back with one for Armoy, Dylan McLaughlin had the last score of the half to give his team a 1-13 to 1-5 lead at the short whistle.

A dominant third quarter by Glenarm saw them stretch the lead out to 13 points, the scores coming thick and fast from Darren Hamill, Sean O’Boyle, Ciaran Magill, Dylan McLaughlin, Padraig McDermot and Niall McGarel, in reply to just two from PJ McBride and second half substitute Eamon McCaughan. There was a brief flurry when points from Trevor Linton and Tommy Burns were followed by a an Eamon McCaughan goal on 55 minutes and the gap was back to eight. You felt another goal could set up a nervy finish for the home side, but corner forward Kevin O’Boyle settled the contest just a minute later with a splendidly taken goal from a narrow angle. Another goal did come at the other end when Owen Kinney fired a free through a packed goalmouth, but it was all settled by this stage and fittingly Darren Hamill had the final score of the game to seal an emphatic win.

SHANE O’NEILL’S GLENARM

Michael Abram, Kieran O’Boyle, Barry Hamill, Liam McLaughlin, Padraig McDermott, Declan McDermott, Daniel Black, Kieran O’Boyle, Sean O’Boyle, Darren Hamill, Dylan McLaughlin, Kevin O’Boyle, Ciaran Magill, Niall McGarel.

Subs – Conal Ward and Sean O’hare

ARMOY GLEN ROVERS

Conor Devlin, Callum Coyle, Shane Devlin, Emmet O’Hara, Arthur Devlin, Eoin O’Boyle, PJ McBride, Joey McFetridge, Ciaran McKenna, John Dillon, Tommy Burns, Turlough McBride, Conor Watterson, Owen Kinney, Trevor Linton.

Subs – Eamon McCaughan

Referee – Paul McSparran (Cushendun)

Casement SC Antrim JHC, Group One

Davitt’s 2-20 All Saints, Ballymena 2-14

Davitt’s move to the top of Group1 of the Casement SC JHC following this six point win over All Saints Ballymena at Davitt’s Park on Friday evening and following last week’s win over St. Brigid’s they already look to have one foot in the play-offs.

The home side led from start to finish and were six ahead at half time but were forced to fight off an early second half comeback by the visitors, led by the impressive Ciaran Neeson who once again carried the Ballymena challenge and finished the game with 2-9 to his credit.

Even the brilliance of Neeson for Ballymena couldn’t deter Davitt’s as the All Saints sharpshooter lacked the support to really trouble the opposition though the Ballymena side’s insistence on going for goal in the final 8 minutes backfired and had they taken their points the final margin could have been closer.

Davitt’s in contrast were better in their play, used possession well and created some lovely scores over the hour as they guaranteed their place in the knockout stages.

It took them just 20 seconds to get their noses in front as they flew out of the traps with the impressive Marcus Toner displaying strength to get over the ball and fire over from the left.

A long range Caoimhin Heaney free followed before Ciaran Neeson opened his account for the visitors but Don Whelan tapped over a free of his own and Heaney fired over from deep in response.

A Neeson free and a Cormac Magill point either side of Stephen McGivern’s opener of the night narrowed the gap to two as the challenges started to go in hard and fast but Davitt’s were just that bit sharper as a Whelan free preceded scores from McGivern and Heaney to widen the gap to five.

Neeson kept the visitors in the hunt, landing back-to-back points, but Davitt’s appeared to be getting stronger and Ballymena goalkeeper Ciaran Cassley was called into action to make a superb save and deflect a low drive from Whelan up and over before the same man converted a free and a great Anthony Rowntree point from an acute angle extended the home side’s lead.

CJ Sullivan then got in on the act as the hosts threatened to run away with it and it took a great interception from full-back Collum Neeson as he cut out what looked a certain goal before launching downfield where James O’Boyle gathered in the corner and pointed.

A pair of Neeson points in quick succession narrowed the margin back to four, but Davitt’s replied with Antoin McLaughlin intercepting and drilling over, while in the first minute of stoppage time Anthony Rowntree emerged from a ruck and kicked the sliotar to the net from close range.

The All Saints response was immediate and decisive as Neeson collected about 30 meters from goal and went on a strong solo run before being dragged down for a penalty and the number 14 picked himself up before firing the resulting award to the net.

Marcus Toner replied with a late point for Davitt’s, showing the visitors defence a clean pair of heels to race along the left wing and split the posts to give his side a 1-14 to 1-8 advantage at the short whistle.

Davitt’s were good value for this lead, but All Saints came out for the second half in a much more determined mood as they began to win the breaks and drive forward, but they wasted a number of good opportunities during a period of dominance.

 Their talisman, Neeson landed an early free that was cancelled out with a point at the other end by Sullivan, but three wides on the trot arrived before Cormac Magill found his range and then Neeson got onto a dropping ball to lash home and leave just two in it.

Davitt’s rose to this challenge well with Rowntree doubling on a Deaglan Mooney line-ball to point and Stephen McGivern bursting through to add another and relieve the pressure.

Things got better for the home side on 43 minutes as a long ball into the All Saints penalty area broke to Sullivan who finished to the net from close range and Marcus Toner followed with a point to make it 2-18 to 2-10 approaching the final quarter.

Neeson landed a free in response but the All Saints cause received a further blow when they had a player dismissed for dissent and a task that had looked extremely difficult had suddenly become impossible.

 MarcusToner and Ciaran Neeson exchanged points with a Don Whelan free then restoring Davitt’s eight-point advantage.

Ballymena went looking for goals at this stage but never really looked like succeeding as the Davitt’s defence stood strong as Neeson sent a free just outside the 20-metre line past the post, while stoppage time points from Gillan and Luke O’Rawe proved mere consolation for All Saints.

This was All Saints second defeat in the competition and they will need a win over St Brigid’s in their final game to give themselves any chance of qualification, while Davitt’s march on and were worthy winners on the night.

DAVITT’S: T Maguire; O Gorman, M Rowntree, R McIlroy; C Heaney (0-3, 1 free), C Gallagher, A McLaughlin (0-1); D Mooney, P Carleton; D Whelan (0-5, 4 frees), S McGivern (0-3), M Toner (0-4); C Maguire, A Rowntree (1-2), CJ Sullivan (1-2).
Subs: J McNally for R McIlroy (57), D Maher for C Maguire (60), C Mooney for A Rowntree (60).

ALL SAINTS: C Cassley; D McKee, C Neeson, K Brady; D Gray, L O’Rawe (0-1), G Miskella; V Esler, J Magill; R Magee, D Gillan (0-1), C Magill (0-2); C O’Rawe, C Neeson (2-9, 0-6 frees, 1-0 pen), J O’Boyle (0-1).
Subs: D Hasson for V Esler (41), G Duffin for R Magee (51).

REFEREE: Eamon Hamill (St Teresa’s)

Casement SC Junior Hurling Championship 

Lámh Dhearg 1-14-0-17 Shane O’Neills 

Kevin Herron reports from Hannahstown

Lámh Dhearg hurlers ensured that the feel-good factor around Hannahstown this weekend was maintained after they held on for a share of the spoils in Championship opener with Shane O’Neills on Saturday evening. 

The Division 3 champions made the trip to Hannahstown hoping to spoil the party atmosphere that had the club had experienced prior to throw-in and get their own Championship campaign off to a winning start. 

Dylan McLaughlin steered over an early point to edge Glenarm ahead, but Odrán Waldron restored parity from a free and Declan Lynch swung over a point from play after Sean-Paul Gibson and Fionn Mervyn linked-up to great effect. 

McLaughlin restored parity and doubled his account with a terrific effort from range and Shane O’Neills were ahead again through a converted free from danger-man Darren Hamill. 

The lead changed hands again, Declan Lynch’s free dropped short and Gerard Smyth gathered and fired over on the turn before Aidan McGuigan dropped a high shot between the posts to give his side a 0-04-0-03 lead. 

Aidan Scullion showed great determination to force an error from Declan Lynch and capitalise with a point, though Lynch atoned – swinging over a fantastic effort that went over at the near post. 

The theme of the half continued as the sides continued to cancel each-other out, Niall McGarrel angled over an equaliser, only for Lynch to fire over his third point of the half. 

McGarrel replied again to tie things up for the sixth time, at the other end Declan Lynch flighted in a 65’ that dropped short, Gerard Smyth gathered and helped it into the path of Daniel Murray- who popped the ball over.

Niall McGarrel pulled his side level with a third point on the spin and Shane O’Neill’s took the lead for the third time with a Daniel Black shot from distance dropping over the bar. 

As the half drew to a close Lámh Dhearg hit the front again courtesy of back-to-back frees from Declan Lynch, though Ciaran Magill would reply from the same scenario as the sides went in at the break with score evenly poised at 0-09 apiece. 

Magill would edge his side back Infront upon the resumption, but the lead lasted less than 60-seconds as Declan Lynch got to Rhys Camlin’s puck-out and guided a high effort between the posts to level. 

Back-to-back free’s from Darren Hamill opened up a two-point cushion- Michael Abram ensured his side stayed in front when a quickly taken Declan Lynch free fell to Odrán Waldron and the Kilkenny native’s goal bound attempt was helped over by the Shane O’Neills shot-stopper. 

The visitors could have found the net themselves at the other end, Darren Hamill slipped the ball through to Kevin O’Boyle- who advanced, and his shot rose over the bar. 

At the other end Declan Lynch harried and hassled a mistake close to the by-line and possession was switched to the path of Odrán Waldron to produce a sensational score to reduce arrears to the bare minimum (0-13-0-12). 

Darren Hamill restored Glenarm’s two-point lead from a converted free and Daniel Black then extended the lead further with ten minutes remaining. 

The visitors suffered a blow when goal-keeper Abram was forced off with an injury and one of understudy- Christopher Magill’s first tasks was to lift the ball from the back of his net as the Lámhs drew level. 

Daniel Murray did enough to guide the ball into the path of Sean-Paul Gibson who showed neat footwork and took off towards goal before unleashing a fiercely driven shot into the top corner of the net to make it 1-12-0-15. 

For the first time in the half the hosts hit the front thanks to a Fionn Mervyn effort from distance that dropped over the bar. 

Ciaran Magill floated over an equaliser and Shane O’Neill’s went ahead for the last time on the 59^th minute through a converted Darren Hamill free. 

Shane O’Neill’ tried to see the game out, but two minutes into added time Lámh Dhearg salvaged a share of the spoils when Aidan McGuigan sent a high angled shot over the bar. 

They pushed for the win in the aftermath but in the process lost Declan Lynch to a red card. The visitors were unable to make the use of their numerical advantage though as he sounded the final whistle shortly after the free was taken and in the end both sides were forced to settle for a point apiece. 

Lámh Dhearg: R Camlin, C Nolan, J Brady, M McGuigan, SP Gibson (1-00), P Mervyn, B Rice, A McGuigan (0-02), C Boyd, F Mervyn (0-01), D Lynch (0-07,0-02f),D Murray (0-01), O Waldron (0-02, 0-01f), G Smyth (0-01), T McKenna. Subs: C McGuigan for M McGuigan (HT). 

Shane O’Neill’s: M Abram, Kieran O’Boyle, B Hamill, L Og McLaughlin, P McDermott, D McDermott, A Scullion (0-01), D Black (0-02), Kieran O’Boyle , S O’Boyle, D Hamill (0-05f), D McLaughlin (0-02), Kevin O’Boyle (0-01), C Magill (0-03, 0-01f), N McGarel (0-03).  Subs: C Magill for M Abram (52), B O’Boyle for S O’Boyle (58). 

Referee: Darren McKeown (St Galls)

Casement’s SC JHC Group 1

St. Brigid’s 1-15 Davitt’s 3-10

Only a point separated these well matched sides in this Casement’s Social Club JHC round 1 opener last night with 2 second half goals from Anthony Rowntree for the visitors proving the difference in the end but the Musgrave Park side were perhaps unfortunate not to get something from the game.

It was a somewhat fortuitous opening goal from Caoimhin O’hEanna that sailed from distance all the way to the St. Brigid’s net late in the opening half and points from a Donn Whelan ‘65’ and another from play by the same player that saw the visitors claw back a five point deficit to draw level at 1-8 each at the short whistle.

The lower Falls side enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges and raced into a 3-1 lead with Conor John Sullivan and Marcas Toner 0-2 the men on target and the St. Brigid’s point coming from Oisin McDonnell.

The home side began to settle and hit four unanswered points through Niall Duffy, Gerard Henvey, Joseph McCarney and an Oisin McDonnell free and began to take control and when John McGuckian doubled on a loose ball to send a screamer to the net and put the division 4 side in a strong position.

That long range goal from Davitt’s late in the half brought the visitors right back into it and set the scene for a great second half with the result in the melting pot right up to the final whistle.

It was Davitt’s who built on their late first half flurry to move ahead through Donn Whelan before Anthony Rowntree struck with his first goal to move his side four ahead and when the same player got in for his second and his side’s third after 12 minutes it looked a long way back for the home side.

St. Brigid’s looked in serious trouble but they came back strongly with points from Brian McGurk, Phelim Lennon 0-2, Oisin McDonnell and Niall Duffy to close the gap to the minimum as they produced a storming finish but the equaliser just would not come as Davitt’s held on for an opening day victory

Davitt’s are at home to All Saints on the 19^th August while St. Brigid’s travel to Rasharkin on the same night and the Junior B champions need something from that game if they are to stand any chance of qualifying from the group while the Ballymena side are in a similar position having lost to Rasharkin in Ballymena last night.

St. Brigid’s: 1 Chris Lundy, 2 Conor Leonard, 5 Brian mcGurk, 6 Cathal Conway, 7 Gerard Henvey, 8 Joseph McCarney, 9 Niall Murtagh, 10 Fergal Layden, 11 Rory Flanagan, 12 Keevan Grieve, 13 Oisin McDonnell, 14 John McGuckian, 15 Niall Duffy, 16 Mark Sidebottom, 17 Garet7 Gileece, 18 Declan Lawn, 19 Oliver Leggett, 20 Phelim Lennon, 22 Eoghan O’Mainnin, 23 Tod Engman, 24 Chris Quinn

Davitt’s: 1 Thomas Maguire, 2 Odhran Gorman, 3 Michael Rowntree, 4 Ruairi McIlroy, 5 Colm McKee, 6 Caoimhin O’hEanna, 7 Antoin McLaughlin, 8 Peter Og Carlton, 9 Deaglan Mooney, 11 Stephen McGivern, 12 Marcas Toner, 13 Cormac Maguire, 14 Anthony Rowntree, 15 Conor John Sullivan, 20 Donn Whelan

Referee: Aidan Kelly (St. John’s)

Casement Social Club Junior Hurling Championship

Rasharkin 3-19 All Saints 1-14

Friday August 8

Brendan McTaggart reports from Quinn Park, Ballymena

Rasharkin made a winning start to their Junior Championship campaign at a sun kissed Quinn Park on Friday evening as they saw off the challenge of All Saints in what was a feisty affair.  The men from Dreen had 11 points to spare over the home side in a match that had that championship feel right from the first whistle and two red cards in the second half but ultimately it was Rasharkin who had the superior firepower and defensive nous to take the honours.

The visitors dropped Shane Hasson into a sweeping roll and kept Donagh Quigg and Conor McKeever on the inside forward line.  The twin attacking threat proved to be more than a handful for the All Saints men, scoring 2-12 between them, 2-7 of that from play.  Both men showed touches of brilliance throughout the hour and an ability to take scores from anywhere on the pitch.

The Ballymena men started this contest well and in Ciaran Neeson they have a player who they can rely on in attack.  Top scoring for his side with 1-7, Neeson was the outstanding player for All Saints.  His natural instincts in attack were matched with his ability to win clean ball in the middle third, a quality asset for the Ballymena men.

In an attempt to come to terms with Rasharkin’s tactics and attacking threat, All Saints rejigged their line up to leave Kevin Brady and latterly, substitute Cathair Cunning in the sweeping role but such was the quality of ball into the Rasharkin forward line along with the intensity of pressing from their forward unit, it was an unenviable task to try and keep the Rasharkin attack quiet.

Both sides finished the match with 14 men, Gary Miskella seeing red for a second yellow card with a quarter of the game remaining while Ruairi O’Boyle was sent off in the last minute of the hour.  In a contest where referee Sean Elliott would have needed eyes on the back of his head, it should be said the Lamh Dhearg official allowed the game to flow and both teams got on with it, adding to the championship intensity and making for an entertaining game.

The sides were tied on five points apiece when the first goal of the game came in the 17^th minute.  Conor McKeever with a super catch and holding off two challenges, still had the presence of mind to find Conor McFerran in space and he made no mistake.

All Saints response was emphatic, scoring the next five points unanswered with Ciaran Neeson, Cormac Magill and Damian Gillan all finding the posts to take a two point lead with seven minutes of the first half remaining but Rasharkin dominated the closing stages of the first half.  Their second major came with six minutes of the half remaining, Ruairi O’Boyle’s effort dropping short and Conor McKeever ghosted behind the All Saints defence, judged the flight of the sliotar and with a deft touch, beat the rushing Ciaran Cassley in the All Saints goal.  A wonderful piece of skill that ignited the St Mary’s men as they scored a further four points in quick succession to go in at half time 2-9 to 0-10 ahead at the short whistle.

The visitors to Quinn Park started the second half in the same mood with a further three points registered to make it 1-7 without reply before Cormac Magill got the home side firing again in the 37^th minute.

The sides went score for score before the game changed through the dismissal of Miskella.  Rasharkin capitalised on the numerical advantage by scoring their third goal.  Tiernan O’Boyle sending the sliotar long from the heart of the Rasharkin defence to the waiting Donagh Quigg.  The Rasharkin forward deflected the sliotar into space with a delightful touch and raced through on goal.  His finish was emphatic and effectively sealed Rasharkin’s win with a little over ten minutes remaining.

All Saints looked for goals that would bring them back into the tie with a number of frees dropping into the Rasharkin square and their efforts were rewards with five minutes remaining.  Substitute Daire Hasson holding off Rasharkin tackles before passing to Ciaran Neeson and he showed his attacking instincts once again, doubling on the sliotar in mid-air to give Liam Tunney no chance with an unstoppable shot from close range.

It was a case of too little too late however as Rasharkin showed enough to control the time that remained despite Ruairi O’Boyle seeing red.

Rasharkin now cast their sights to a meeting with Junior ‘B’ winners, St Brigids while All Saints travel to Davitts in the next round of fixtures.

TEAMS

All Saints: Ciaran Cassley; Dwayne McKee, Colum Neeson, Kevin Brady; Terence Diamond, Gary Miskella, Padhraig Magill; Jack Magill, Vincent Esler; Eoin Magee, Damian Gillan, James O’Boyle; Ciaran Neeson, Liam Cassley, Cormac Magill

Scorers: Ciaran Neeson 1-7 (4f’s); Liam Cassley 0-2; Cormac Magill 0-2; Eoin Magee 0-1; Damian Gillan 0-1; James O’Boyle 0-1

Rasharkin: Liam Tunney; Connaire Donaghy, Conor Doherty, James Higgins; Ruairi O’Boyle, Daniel Doherty, Aidan McKeever; Emmett McFerran, Tiernan O’Boyle; Shane Hasson, Conor McFerran, Declan McKay; Conor McKillop, Donagh Quigg, Conor McKeever

Scorers: Conor McKeever 1-8 (4f’s 1 ’65); Donagh Quigg 1-4; Conor McFerran 1-2; Tiernan O’Boyle 0-2 (1 ’65); Declan McKay 0-2

Referee: Sean Elliott (Lamh Dhearg)