Cushendall qualified for a semi-final meeting with Ballycastle after beating Rossa in Wednesday evening’s U21 Hurling Championship preliminary round at Rossa Park. The Cushendall side were in top form and after a dominant first half display they lead by 3-15 to 0-07 at half time, the goals coming from corner forward Oisin Woodhouse, right half back Austin Birt and full forward Joseph McLaughlin.
After the change of ends the home side fared better but they could not get the goal they needed to really spark a revival and two more goals, one from left-half forward Killian McNaughton and a second goal of the game from Oisin Woodhouse kept them firmly in control.
Woodhouse got the first score of the game when he sent over a point and after Austin Birt and Joseph McLaughlin added further points Woodhouse got in for the first goal of the game. Rossa centre forward Liam McEnhill got Rossa up and running with a point but The Ruairis came back with six in a row before McEnhill interrupted the run with his second score of the game. The visitors piled on the pressure aas the first half advanced and by half time they had stretched the lead to 3-15 to 0-07, the other two goals coming from Austin Birt and Joseph McLaughlin, while McEnhill (4) and Corey Walsh got the Rossa points.
Three in a row from Rossa’s McEnhill, Dairmuid Rogan and Oisin Boyle got the home team off a better start, but goal number four soon arrived for the Ruairis through Killian McNaughton. Midfielder Corey Walsh and centre forward McEnhill kept the scoreboard ticking for Rossa and twelve points overall in the second half was a good showing, but Cushendall had always that bit extra and goal number five arrived from Killian Birt put the icing on the cake
Glenariffe will once again host Feis na nGleann this weeked with three days of fixtures
The action gets underway on Friday evening when Cushendall take on Dunloy in the Under 16 Camogie final. On Saturday St Olcan’s play Shane O’Neill’s Glenarm in the Under 16 B Hurling final at 3pm beofre Cloughmills and Dunloy clash in the Junior Feis Hurling final
Brendan McTaggart reports from Páirc Mac Uílín, Ballycastle
Ballycastle rounded off their league campaign with a comprehensive win over newly crowned league champions, Rossa. An eight point win, largely down to an excellent second half that saw them hold the men from the Shaw’s Road to just five points from frees in the 30 plus minutes after the half time interval.
Seamus McAuley finished top of the scoring charts for the Town, three of his 11 points coming from open play in an all-round excellent performance while Conor Donnelly chipped in with 1-2. Niall McKenna was at the heart of it all again for his side, adding three points in an all action performance while Conor Boyd, Darragh Donnelly and Conal Colgan all excelled in defence.
To be fair, Rossa were missing more than a few from what might be perceived as their first 15. Deaglan Murphy top scored with all of his nine points coming from placed ball but they had excellent performances from Stephen Shannon and Stephen Beatty in the half back line, Corey Walsh in midfield while the work rate of Declan McCartney, James Connolly and Dara Rocks could never be questioned.
In a close first half, it was the home side that played with more cohesion with McKenna prominent in the opening exchanges. They couldn’t put any daylight between the sides though as the visitors managed to get the scoreboard ticking and were certainly more economical than the home side.
Going into the final 10 minutes of the first half, Ballycastle held a one point lead with the scores eight points to seven before Conor Donnelly scored the only goal of the game. Neal McAuley gathering the sliotar on the left hand side before taking a second to survey his options. He found Donnelly 25 yards from goal but in a more central position, the Rossa defence looked to swarm him out but the Ballycastle forward showed great composure before firing the sliotar to the back of the net.
Rossa almost responded in perfect fashion but goalkeeper Anthony Mullan was equal to Deaglan Murphy’s effort. A Seamus McAuley free put five between the sides with a little over five minutes of the first half remaining but Rossa finished with a flourish reeling off four unanswered points in the time that remained. Scores coming from Murphy (free), Dara Rocks, Aodhan O’Brien and Stephen Shannon. It could have been even better for the Jeremiah’s but Rocks flashed his effort to the wrong side of the posts.
With just one point between the sides, the game was still in the balance but the home side started the second half superbly. Four unanswered points from Cathair Donnelly, Seamus McAuley, Conor Donnelly and Ardan Kelly put five between the sides and the home side in control.
Rossa were slow at getting their challenge going again in the second half with their first point coming in the 40th minute – the first of five second half frees from Deaglan Murphy. They had another couple of sights of the Ballycastle goal in those opening exchanges of the second half with James Connelly and Deaglan Murphy combining but Murphy’s was denied by a magic piece of defending from Seamus McAuley just as he was about to pull the trigger. Not long after, Rocks saw his effort well saved by Anthony Mullan. The angle was far from favourable for the Rossa man but his effort was well struck and Mullan did well to keep the effort out of the goals.
The last quarter of the game belonged to Seamus McAuley with the Town midfielder firing over another five points while Tiarnan Smyth and McKenna also chipped in with scores.
Rossa’s accuracy in front of the target wasn’t economical enough to sustain their challenge with a number of uncharacteristic wides. Murphy’s frees kept their side of the scoreboard ticking but it wasn’t enough to reel in the home side.
Both sides now have a four week break before they turn their attention to the championship in the first weekend in August. Rossa will begin their campaign in good spirits despite this result with a first Division One league title in almost 30 years while Ballycastle are a side that have been improving with every league game. They have strength all over the pitch and an attacking unit that have speed and guile. Both sides will have lofty ambitions as the race for the Volunteer Cup begins.
TEAMS
BALLYCASTLE: Anthony Mullan; Ryan McCook, Ronan Laverty, Conal Colgan; Mark McClean, Conor Boyd, Darragh Donnelly; Seamus McAuley, Cathair Donnelly; James Bakewell, Niall McKenna, Ardan Kelly; Conor Donnelly, Neal McAuley, Tiarnan Smyth
Scorers: S McAuley 0-11 (8fs); Conor Donnelly 1-2; N McKenna 0-3; D Donnelly 0-1; Cathair Donnelly 0-1; A Kelly 0-1; N McAuley 0-1; T Smyth 0-1
ROSSA: Donal Armstrong; Oisin McVicker, Joseph Mulholland, Darragh Morriarity; Stephen Shannon, Aodhan O’Brien, Stephen Beatty; Corey Walsh, Deaglan Murphy; Liam McEnhill, Declan McCartney, Conor O’Neill; Eoghan McMenamin, James Connolly, Dara Rocks
Scorers: D Murphy 0-9 (5fs 1’65); S Shannon 0-1; A O’Brien 0-1; C Walsh 0-1; L McEnhill 0-1; D McCartney 0-1; E McMenamin 0-1; D Rocks 0-1
REFEREE: Colum Cunning (Dunloy)
Rossa celebrate winning the Division 1 League title. – Pic by Bert Trowlen
Dessie Donnelly presents the Division 1 Hurling League trophy to team captain Declan McCartney. Pic by Bert Trowlen
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Brendan McTaggart reports from Pearse Park, Dunloy
Loughgiel rounded off their league campaign with a convincing win over a depleted Dunloy side on Friday evening to end the Cuchullains hopes of winning the league title. Six points separated the sides at the end of the hour, all off which means that Rossa have been crowned winners of the Divison One league title for the first time in 30 years.
Goals were the difference on the scoreboard at Pearse Park with the Shamrocks plundering in four over the hour, despite a missed penalty and a plethora of saves from Dunloy ‘keeper Eoghan Richmond.
With Paul Boyle threatening to cut loose playing on the edge of the square and James McNaughton closing in on his impish best, this victory was built around a solid defensive display that saw the Shamrocks hold Dunloy to just 1-6 from open play. Rory and Declan McCloskey catching the eye while Tiarnan Coyle never gave an inch of space.
Both sides were missing regulars, Dunloy’s strength in depth was certainly tested to its limit with no less than nine players missing from their match against St John’s last Sunday. Seaan Elliott top scored for the home side, raising nine white flags over the hour while Keelan Molloy top scored from open play with four points. The returning Chrissy McMahon got Dunloy’s goal mid-way through the second half but the Shamrock’s always had the edge overall.
Played in conditions that were more akin to that of the month of October than the first week in July, it was Loughgiel who got out of the blocks quickest. Rian ‘Betty’ McKee opened the scoring with barely 25 seconds on the clock. Both sides were wasteful infront of the target before Loughgiel were awarded a penalty for a foul on Jack McCloskey. James McNaughton stepped up but his effort was well saved by Richmond.
Richmond was called into action soon after with McNaughton testing his reflexes once again while Deaglan Smith split the uprights for Dunloy to open their account in the 6th minute.
The Shamrocks created another major chance and this time it was Paul Boyle who was presented with the opportunity. Haring in from the left, he made no mistake after just eight minutes.
Dunloy responded with a trio of unanswered points to bring the sides level mid-way through the first half but it was a brief respite from the Loughgiel assault on the Dunloy goal. Ruairi McCormick going close but again Richmond with a brilliant save before the second Loughgiel goal came in the 18th minute. Paul Boyle turning provider this time as McNaughton finally beat Richmond to put five points between the sides.
The home side finished the half on top however with scores coming from Keelan Molloy and four frees from Seaan Elliott. Molloy’s score coming after a brilliant catch among a group of players and with a swing of his wrists, instinctively finding the target. Ruairi McCormick split the uprights in the same time period for Loughgiel to leave the half time score 2-4 to 0-9 in the Shamrocks favour.
As the rain became heavier, it didn’t dampen the Shamrocks spirit at the start of the second half. Keelan Molloy did level the sides with the opening score of the half but before the home side would register another score, Loughgiel found the back of the Dunloy net. Points from McNaughton and Roan McGarry preceded the third major in the 36th minute – James McNaughton creating the chance and while it looked like Richmond had dealt with his effort, he spilled the sliotar over the line and when Rian McMullan pointed soon after, Loughgiel had opened a six point advantage.
Dunloy responded with another brace of points from Seaan Elliott, scoring his seventh free and first from open play before the Shamrocks responded with a free from Declan McCloskey and Boyle.
Dunloy’s hopes were revitalised when Chrissy McMahon found the back of Odhran McFadden’s net, collecting the sliotar from a Seaan Elliott pass, McMahon made no mistake with a rasping drive to leave three between the sides.
Loughgiel responded by creating another goal chance soon after. McNaughton blasting the sliotar to the bottom corner but Richmond dived at full length to turn the sliotar away.
McNaughton (free) and Keelan Molloy swapped scores going into the final 10 minutes before the Loughgiel man would strike a contender for score of the game. Running down the right hand side and with the Dunloy defence in close quarters, McNaughton swung the sliotar off the hurl to split the uprights. An outrageous score given the weather conditions, the challenges put in and angle.
Loughgiel’s fourth goal came from wing half back Ben McGarry. He fired the sliotar to the back of the net from the most acute angle and while Dunloy responded with a free from Seaan Elliott in injury time, they rarely looked like eating into the Loughgiel lead.
This was far from a classic between these two great rivals and both will be disappointed with the number of missed chances. All thoughts now turn to the race for the Volunteer Cup however with these two harbouring serious ambitions of claiming silverware.
TEAMS
DUNLOY: Eoghan Richmond; Phelim Duffin, Sean Og Blaney, Oran Quinn; Conor Kinsella, Kevin Molloy, Eamon Smyth; Jack Martin, Ciaran Elliott; Deaglan Smith, Padraig McGilligan, Keelan Molloy; Chrissy McMahon, Gabriel McTaggart, Seaan Elliott
Subs: Aaron Crawford for S Og Blaney (HT); Paul Shiels for J Martin (45)
Scorers: S Elliott 0-9 (8fs); Keelan Molloy 0-4; C McMahon 1-00; D Smith 0-1
LOUGHGIEL: Odhran McFadden; Tiarnan Coyle, Enda Og McGarry, Liam Glackin; Declan McCloskey, Rory McCloskey, Ben McGarry; Rian McKee, Ruairi McCormick; Rian McMullan, James McNaughton, Darragh Patterson; Roan McGarry, Paul Boyle, Jack McCloskey
Subs: Eoin McGarry for D Patterson (54); Donal McKinley for R McCormick (57); Patrick Laverty for L Glackin (Inj)
Scorers: J McNaughton 1-4 (2fs); P Boyle 1-1; B McGarry 1-00; J McCloskey 0-1; R McGarry 0-1; R McMullan 0-1; R McCormick 0-1; R McKee 0-1; D McCloskey 0-1 (1f)
REFEREE: Mark O’Neill (Armoy)
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Featured image: Paddy & Marie Devlin, the parents of Conor presenting the Conor Devlin Cup to Kevin Lynches captain. Included is club chairman Nicky Bonnes
On Saturday, 28th June, Tír na nÓg Randalstown hosted their 17th annual Conor Devlin Tournament. On the day the teams that played were Naomh Olcán, Swatragh, St. Enda’s, Ard na Rí, Kevin Lynches & Bannagher.
After an excellent day’s hurling Naomh Olcan, progressed to the Shield final where they would meet St. Enda’s while the cup final involved Ard naRi and Kevin Lynch’s, Dungiven.
The tournament had a big crowd spectating throughout the day as per usual. The pitches were in pristine condition! This year was a little more special as Louise Frazier, from Falkirk, in Scotland, travelled by motorcycle to join us with her husband after the Devlin family extended an invite to her. In 2007, after Conor’s tragic death, Louise received some of Conor’s organs. Paddy & Marie made a special presentation to commemorate her visit. Well done to everyone who participated on the day, thanks to the referees, Fionntan McCotter & Mark O’Neill for officiating and all those who organised the day.
Louise Frazier, from Falkirk, Scotland who was the recipient of organs donated by Conor Devlin after his tragic death in 2007. Louise travelled to the tournament with her husband on their motorbike for the occasion.
Shield final: Naomh Olcán vs. St. Enda’s
Naomh Olcán, an amalgamation between Tír na nÓg and Kickhams U15 hurlers came out on top against St. Enda’s in the shield final, despite a tight encounter, goals were the difference in the end, which saw the Randalstown men over the line.
Captain Ciaran Corr received the trophy from Paddy & Marie Devlin, alongside club chairman Nicky Bonnes.
Cup Final: Kevin Lynches v Ard na Ri
In the cup final, tournament favourites Kevin Lynches, Dungiven took the honours against Ard na Rí, an amalgamation team of St. Brigids and St. Galls. Martin Hurls continued their sponsorship of the tournament and sponsored a prize for the puc fada winner, which went to St. Enda’s and the player of the tournament that was awarded to an Ard na Rí player.
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