Ulster U20 Hurling Cup – Round 3

Derry 1-11 Antrim 0-19

Friday 6 February

Brendan McTaggart reports from Find Insurance Celtic Park, Derry

Antrim produced a workman like performance to see off the dogged challenge of Derry in Celtic Park on Friday evening to maintain their unbeaten start to the Ulster U20 Cup.  Five points separated the sides at the end of the hour, owing much to the closing stages of the game that saw the Saffrons finish strongly but they were pushed all the way by the home side.

Looking at the stats, they conceded just 1-6 from open play while scoring 15 points themselves outside of Fiontan Bradley and Charlie McAuley’s frees.  Five of their six starting forwards got on the scoresheet and there’s no dount they will feel like they left a few scores behind with their wide tally and efforts dropping short.

Defensively the Saffron’s rarely looked troubled.  Derry scored the only goal of the game in the ninth minute of the tie in what was the only error in the Antrim full back line.  Sean Og McLarnon was peerless under the high ball that came his way while his restarts were on point.

Liam Glackin put in a captains performance on the edge of the Antrim square, his decision making exemplary throughout while the midfield duo of Calum McIlwaine and Charlie McAuley got the upperhand in the middle third.

Up top, the Saffrons were lively and full of running with Jay McAlonan starting brightly while Fiontan Bradley was always a handful.  Thomas McLaughlin and Niall Magee excelled, scoring six points between them and led the Antrim challenge at the death.

Antrim made a bright start with the opening three points of the contest coming from McAuley and two from McAlonan.  Derry opened their account with a free by Paul McNicholl and scored the only goal of the game three minutes later.  It was Ben McCullagh who had the initial shot only to see McLarnon deny him but McNicholl was first to the loose ball and made no mistake from close range.

A point from Ruairi Biggs put the home side two points ahead by the ninth minute but the Saffrons woke from their slumber with a trio of unanswered scores from McLaughlin, McIlwaine and McAuley to restore the Antrim lead.

The sides swapped three scores apiece in the second quarter with Oisin McCamphill, McAuley and Bradley (free) getting the scores for Antrim while a brace of frees from Cormac Og McCloskey and a brilliant point from McNicholl left the scores 0-9 to 1-5 in Antrim’s favour.

Antrim had whatever wind was blowing in the second halfand they opened a four point lead after the opening 10 minutes of the second half.  Points coming from McLaughlin, Bradley (2) and Magee while the Derry response came from a sole McCloskey free.

The home side found some momentum with a trio of unanswered scores in the space of five minutes to leave the minimum between the sides.  Scores coming from McCloskey (2) and a PJ Glover – getting a score with his first touch to ask questions of the Saffrons going into the final quarter.

Antrim responded well, however.  A brace of scores from substitute Roan McGarry and Magee came before McCloskey and Bradley swapped frees.

Just two points separated the sides in the last minute of the hour but Antrim finished with a flourish with Bradley (free), McIlwaine, McLaughlin and Magee all splitting the uprights while a Ruairi Biggs free was the solitary response from the home side.

Antrim now cast their eyes to a meeting with Donegal in Dunsilly on Friday as their U20 season continues.

TEAMS

ANTRIM: Sean Og McLarnon; Cathair Donnelly, Liam Glackin, Colla Ward; Ronan Donnelly, Ben O’Kane, Reece Cunning; Calum McIlwaine, Charlie McAuley; James Donnelly, Thomas McLaughlin, Niall Magee; Jay McAlonan, Oisin McCamphill, Fiontan Bradley

Subs: Orrin O’Connor for J Donnelly (HT); Roan McGarry for B O’Kane (44); Sean Og Blaney for R Cunning (56); Canice McIntosh for O McCamphill (59)

Scorers: F Bradley 0-4 (3f); C McAuley 0-3 (1f); N Magee 0-3; T McLaughlin 0-3; C McIlwaine 0-2; J McAlonan 0-2; O McCamphill 0-1; R McGarry 0-1

DERRY: Oisin Mulholland; Declan Kelly, Tiarnan Melaugh, Deaglan McNamee; Cailean Gallagher, Emmett Og McKeever, Phelim Og Diamond; Ryan McGarvey, Kevin Barry Mullan; Ryan McGilligan, Ruairi Biggs, Paul McNicholl; Cormac Og McCloskey, Ben McCullagh, Cathal Quinn

Subs: Daire O’Lochlainn for C Gallagher (40); PJ Glover for R McGarvey (46); Felix Glover for C Og McCloskey (50); Caolan Convery for B McCullagh (50)

Scorers: C Og McCloskey 0-5 (4f); P McNicholl 1-2 (1f); R Biggs 0-2 (1f); C Quinn 0-1; PJ Glover 0-1

Referee: James Callaghan (Setanta, Donegal)

TO SEE MORE OF BRENDAN’S PICS CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/7SodQa9ugfzZqw/?invite=c0b46db9-7883-496b-a8d1-a9ded985854c

Antrim’s team to face Clare in Division 1B of the National Hurling League on Sunday in Cushendall shows just two changes from the team that was so unlucky to lose to Wexford at Wexford Park last weekend.

Cormac McFadden takes over in goal from Domnhall Nugent while there is one change in defence where Stephen Rooney comes in for the suspended Gerard Walsh, whose apppeal against last week’s red card was turned down. That means Ruairi McCormick, Eoin McFerran and Paddy Burke make up the full back line while Rooney joins Sean McKay and Joe Maskey in the half-backs.

Ryan McCambridge and Eoin O’Neill, who did so well last week. are retained, as are the half forward trio of Scott Walsh, Paul Boyle and Sean Duffin. The full forward line are also retained with James McNaughton named on the edge of the square with Conal Coby Cunning on his left and last week scoring hero Seaan Elliott on the right.

Of course there could be changes before the throw-in but the team named is and indication what team manager Davy Fitzgerald thought of their efforts in Wexford.

Under 21 Hurling Championship

Antrim 3-23 Down 0-10

Antrim’s Under 20 hurlers launched their Ulster Championship campaign with a decisive victory over Down at a wind-swept Mallusk Playing Fields. Despite playing against a strong breeze in the opening period, the Saffrons started with intent as Oisin McCallin and Reece Cunning combined to establish a five-point lead within the first eight minutes, star man McCallin getting four of the five. Down responded when a defensive slip allowed John Duggan to find the net, followed by points from Ben Taggart and Cathal Coleman to level the scores. Although Antrim regained the lead through Oisin McCallin and Orin O’Connor, Down stayed competitive with scores from Shea Pucci and Cahal Coleman, both of whom had featured for the senior inter-county side the previous day. A long-range free from Down goalkeeper Cian Clarke ensured the visitors trailed by only two points at the interval, with the score standing at 0-11 to 1-06.

With the wind in their favour during the second half, Antrim asserted their dominance and began to widen the gap. Corner-back Cahir Donnelly opened the second-half scoring, followed by a string of unanswered points from Oisin Mc Camphill, Orin O’Connor, Charlie Mc Auley, and Ronan Donnelly. The momentum shifted decisively when Oisin McCallin scored Antrim’s first goal ten minutes into the half. Down attempted a rally through Shea Pucci and Caomhán McAnarney, but the Saffrons finished the game with clinical efficiency. Points from Roan McGarry, Oisin McCallin, Connor McCann, and James McDonnell were followed by late goals from Roan McGarry and Jay McAlonan to seal a convincing win. Antrim now turns their attention to a their next round-robin fixture next Monday at Garvaghey against a Tyrone side coming off an upset victory over Derry.

1. Sean Og McLaren (Naomh Pol)
2. Cathair Donnely (Mac Uilin)
3. Cian Baudant (Mac Uilin)
4. Colla Ward (Óisín Gleann Airimh)
5. Ronan Donnelly (Naomh Eoin)
6. Callagh Mooney (Ruairi Og)
7. Charlie Mc Auley (Ruairi Og)
8. Calum Mc Ilwaine (Óisín Gleann Airimh)
9. Reece Cunning (Cú Chulainn, Dún Laithí)
10. Ronan Fitzgerald (capt) (Na Seamróga)
11. Orrin O’Connor (Óisín Gleann Airimh)
12. Thomas Mc Laughlin (Ruairi Og)
13. Cadhan Crawford (Mac Uilin)
14. Oisin Mc Camphill (Cú Chulainn, Dún Laithí)
15. Oisin McCallin (Cú Chulainn, Dún Laithí)

Substitutes: 16. (GK) Anthony Mullan (Mac Uilin) 17. Sean Óg Blaney (Cú Chulainn, Dún Laithí) 18. Conor McCann (Ruairi Og) 19. Ardan Kelly (Mac Uilin) 20. Niall McClean (Mac Uilin) 21. Jack Martin (Cú Chulainn, Dún Laithí) 22. Roan McGarry (Na Seamróga) 23. Jay Mc Alonan (Cú Chulainn, Dún Laithí) 24. Canice McIntosh (Óisín Gleann Airimh) 27. Oisin Gillen (Óisín Gleann Airimh) 28. Niall Magee (Óisín Gleann Airimh) 29. Oisin Woodhouse (Ruairi Og) 30. James McDonnell (Naomh Pol) 32. Liam Mc Enhill (Ó D Rosa)

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Down (An Dún)

Starting 15:

1. Cian Clarke (Baile Mhic Uileagóid)
2. Dominic McGrath (Baile Crann)
3. Cillian Ennis (Ceathru Aodh Dhuibh)
4. Ronan Breen (Baile Crann)
5. Manus Gilmore (Baile Crann)
6. Sean McCollum (Bredach)
7. Frankie Ferguson (Bredach)
8. Leigh Morgan (Port an Pheire)
9. Patrick McGarry (Bredach)
10. Caomhán McAnarney (Baile Aileach)
11. Dara Pucci (Baile Mhic Uileagóid)
12. Daniel Kinney (Bredach)
13. John Dougan (Bredach)
14. Finbarr Blaney (Ceathru Aodh Dhuibh)
15. Cahal Coleman (Port an Pheire)

Substitutes: 12. David Morrissey (Ceathru Aodh Dhuibh) 16. (GK) Eoghan Devine (Baile an Mhéirligh) 17. Conor O’Neill (Bredach) 18. Rory McEntyre (Cumann Pheadair Naofa) 19. Connaire Monan (Baile Mhic Uileagóid) 21. Alex Taggart (Baile Mhic Uileagóid) 22. Shea Pucci (Baile Mhic Uileagóid) 23. Rory O’Donnell (Ceathru Aodh Dhuibh) 24. Matthew Dorrian (Baile Mhic Uileagóid) 25. Dara Rogers (Baile Crann) 26. Ben Taggart (Baile Mhic Uileagóid)

TO SEE MORE PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/Vu6v6FC5rmVGhJ/?invite=e9b12a35-52e3-44d6-9eb9-e0890ec0bbf0

Lámh Dhearg’s Senior Hurling panel hosted a very enjoyable and successful 7 aside fundraising tournament in honour of their former players and legends Daryl Fegan and Ryan Straney after their recent passing. A cold crisp December day didn’t deter a good standard of hurling and keenly contested games . In between the senior games a juvenile go games was played with great enthusiasm and spirit The funds raised will be divided among Senior hurlers development funds , Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust in memory of Ryan and Postrate Cancer UK in memory of Daryl.

Organiser and senior hurler Odrán Waldron commented “ Thanks to everyone who participated and generously supported the event and the hurlers enjoyed the games as a good warm up for forthcoming pre season . More importantly thanks to the families of Daryl and Ryan and trust the event will give them much solace and comfort “ After the tournament players and spectators were glad of the warmth of the clubroooms. The craic and ceol was good fun with super entertainment provided by the Brady’s Trad group. Thanks to all who participated , attended and generously supported the event .

Photos from the Corn Daryl and Scaith Ryan games can be found below

https://myalbum.com/album/k5ieuitZPm5Z9h

St Patrick’s, Maghera 4-13 Cross & Passion, Ballycastle 1-12

A dominant second-half performance saw St Patrick’s, Maghera secure the Mageean Cup lon Wednesday evening at the Dub Arena with a 4-13 to 1-12 victory over holders Cross & Passion, Ballycastle.

While the final scoreline suggests a comfortable win for the Derry school, the game was a contest of two distinct halves. Cross & Passion gave as good as they got in the opening period, taking a slender lead into the interval, but St Patrick’s took control after the break and with their half-back line and midfield totally dominant they pulled away for a 10-point victory.

First Half: Nothing to Separate the Sides

The game began at a frenetic pace, with St Patrick’s drawing first blood within 30 seconds through a Rian Collins point, bit Cross & Passion responded almost immediately, with Oisin McCallin converting a free after a foul on Emmet McKendry.

The opening quarter remained tight, with Cross & Passion holding a narrow 0-6 to 0-5 lead after 15 minutes. Oisin McCallin (frees) and Cadhan Crawford (from play) were instrumental for the Ballycastle side, while Rian Collins, Odhran Doherty, and Darragh O’Neill were central to Maghera’s efforts.

Maghera looked to have seized the initiative before the break when Odhran Doherty’s diagonal ball found Collins in the left corner and the Lavey flyer fired across goal into the bottom corner for a superbly taken goal. However, Cross & Passion showed resilience, hitting back with points to take a 0-10 to 1-6 lead at half-time.

Second Half: Maghera Take Control

St Patrick’s adopted a more direct approach in the second half, a tactic that paid immediate dividends. Early in the period, Rian Collins saw his shot saved by goalkeeper Ruairi McShane, but Fionn Cartin was on hand to finish the rebound to the net.

With the momentum firmly with the Derry side, Ultan McCloskey added a third goal ten minutes later with a high finish. While Paidi O’Kane managed to pull a goal back for Cross & Passion to keep their hopes alive, the Maghera defence held firm.

Fionn Cartin secured the title in the closing minutes, firing home his second goal of the night to confirm the victory for for the Maghera side and seal the school’s first title since 2017.

St Pat’s now through to the  Paddy Buggy semi-final

The win puts the Derry side into the All Ireland semi-final of the Paddy Cup and on the evidence on show tonight there is no reason why they can’t go all the way. They face the Leinster champions in the semi-final in early March will fancy their chances of becoming the third Ulster team in a row to take the Paddy Buggy title.

Teams and Scorers

St Patrick’s, Maghera Scorers: R Collins 1-8 (0-5f, 1 ‘65’), F Cartin 2-0, U McCloskey 1-1, O Doherty 0-2, PJ Glover 0-1, S O’Kane 0-1. Team: D Collins, P Peoples, D O’Neill, O Burke, D McCloskey, O Doherty, C Gallagher, D McEldowney, N McNicholl, R Collins, P O’Kane, PJ Glover, U McCloskey, F Cartin, S O’Kane. Subs: R McGuckin for PJ Glover (50), D McKaigue for Burke (54), C McCloskey for U McCloskey (57).

Cross & Passion, Ballycastle Scorers: O McCallin 0-6 (frees), C Crawford 0-5, P O’Kane 1-1. Team: R McShane, E Johnston, L Smyth, A Gillan, O Donnelly, D Kinney, L Connolly, L McConville, O Connolly, C Johnston, O McCallin, L McGarry, E McKendry, C Crawford, P O’Kane. Subs: C McAuley for Connolly (50).

Referee: Mr. Darren McKeown (St Gall’s)

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

https://myalbum.com/album/YUMofMkDuoCt3S/?invite=8e208e03-0ef9-4e7c-bdb5-ec74a3aca774