In a pulsating encounter that ebbed and flowed from start to finish, Ahoghill emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins, edging past Aghagallon with a final scoreline of 2-13 to 1-17.
The match opened with high intensity, and it was Aghagallon who struck first, Jonny Hannon pointing early to give his side the lead. However, Ahoghill responded swiftly, with their corner-forward James O’Connell proving clinical from placed balls, converting multiple frees to keep the scoreboard ticking.
The first half saw both sides trading blows throughout, but halfway through the first half, Aghagallon’s Adam Loughran finished off a fantastic team move, with a well taken goal.
It was Ahoghill who took a slender advantage into the break, leading by four points thanks to a well-taken goal from their right corner-forward Colla McDonnell and a flurry of scores from frees.
Aghagallon came out firing in the second half, with Eunan Walsh finding the net to swing momentum back in their favour and Jonny Hannon’s accuracy from frees helped the visitors build a three-point cushion midway through the half.
A turning point in the game occurred 10 minutes into the second half, when Aghagallon’s McCann received a second yellow, shifting momentum in Ahoghill’s favour.
James O’Connell, was instrumental in the comeback, notching crucial points from play and frees to level the game. With the clock ticking down, both sides found themselves deadlocked multiple times, but it was Ahoghill who held their nerve in the dying moments.
A late point from play, once again from James O’Connell, sealed the win for the visitors, who showed grit and determination to claw back the deficit and snatch victory at the death. This result will sting for Aghagallon, who hit the woodwork several times and led for large spells, but Ahoghill’s resilience and sharp shooting under pressure proved decisive.
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On the back of a drawn contest between these clubs in last years’ final round robin tie, and a similar league result in April in Glenravel, supporters of both clubs could be forgiven for thinking another blockbuster was in store for this first phase championship encounter at Kelly Park, Portglenone.
The reality though is that this contest was as good as over after ten minutes, at which stage last years’ beaten finalists Casements had already stretched out an eight point lead that never looked like being reeled in.
Playing attractive fast moving football from the throw in, Portglenone opened the scoring when Dermot McAleese palmed to the net after just two minutes, and a similar mazy weave resulted in a second green flag when Oisin Doherty fielded the kickout, fed Dermot McAleese who in turn laid off to the marauding Enda Lynn less than five minutes later.
In between times a point each from Ryan McQuillan and Sean McKay for the visitors and a trio from Aidan McAleese, Oisin Doherty and Dermot McAleese kept the hosts ticking over nicely in front. It took a superb save from Casements custodian Kevin Mullan to deny half back Daniel McQuillan, as Con Magees produced a brief spell of dominance, but Mullan’s save, on top of three 45s which were not converted, meant that they had little to show for those endeavours.
When big Aidan McAleese pointed in the twelfth minute and Enda Lynn set up Michael Hagan for a tap over score one minute later the writing was on the wall. Six further points were registered by the home side before their first wide of the game in the twenty ninth minute. Oisin Doherty finished off a fine individual first half with the final score before Darren McKeown blew for half time, Casements 13 points to the good.
Although Ryan McQuillan notched the first score of the second half, any notion of a comeback was immediately dispelled when Ryan Convery ran the full length of the pitch to slide the ball past Shaun O’Boyle in Glenravel nets. Oisin Doherty was back to his best, taking men on from a half forward position and scoring at will, assisted at every turn by attacking colleagues Aidan McAleese Michael Hagan, Ronan Kelly and Enda Lynn. A few minutes later Michael Hagan punished a mishap in Glenravel’s defence and cheekily lobbed the ball past McQuillan for Casements fourth goal of the evening. Within three minutes Ronan Kelly got in on the act to make it five as the game turned into a score fest for last years’ runners up.
It was a night to forget for Glenravel who were longing for the final whistle long before Darren McKeown blew for time up, and they have work to do to regroup in time for their remaining assignments. Ryan McQuillan notched a couple of points from play and a handful of frees, but overall was well contained by Ronan Delargy. Conor McGhee did a similarly good job throughout, stifling Eamon Fyfe, Glenravels other main scoring threat.
Eamon Ward, Niall Swann and Niall Hynds grafted away for their cause, as did Shea O`Brien and Daniel McQuillan but overall Glenravel will just want to put this performance behind them.
In contrast Casements demonstrated the difference between league and championship as John McKeever starts to crank up his systems. Veteran Jonny Convery slotted into centre half with ease and won a lot of breaking ball, as younger sibling Ryan looked every inch the exciting player He was before his lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury, covering every blade of pristine O Ceallaigh park.
Upon his introduction debutant Ryan McKeever got a few scores to settle him into championship mode, as all over the pitch Casements looked strong and assured.
Niall Delargy was absent due to the birth of first child (Seanie) earlier in the day as midfield stalwarts Paddy Kelly and Dermot McAleese looked in top form the first whistle. Kevin OKane looked superb at full back, but it was the entire forward division playing with a confidence not seen for some time.
Enda Lynn was in top form, pulling strings for fun. Oisin Doherty posted a superb hour, finishing with eight points from play. Stylist Michael Hagan contributed a goal and four points and also caught the eye from general play. Ronan Kelly (1 -01) and Aidan McAleese (0 – 04) also looked good throughout, but it was the combination play that particularly caught the eye.
John McKeever will be content in the knowledge that his men are moving nicely as they travel to Rossa Park for their next test – Con Magees will want to put this behind them as quickly as possible.
Referee Darren McKeown.
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They say points win prizes but goals win games and that was very much in evidence at Colaiste Feirste in the opening game of the Junior Football Championship, Group 2 on Friday night.
The Irish language team went into this one as favourites, having finished second in the league but had no answer to a slick moving and well marshalled Eire Og.
Eire Og were strong in defence with Laochra Loch Lao unable to break through for the goal that might well have turned this game in their favour while Eire Og gave a demonstration of fine finishing over the hour.
It was Laochra Loch Lao who opened brightly and they shot into an early 2 point lead thanks to Daire McMenamin and Rian McShane before their opponents replied with their opening goal of the evening through Patrick McNelis with only 4 minutes gone.
Ronan Donnelly added a second major for the Og’s in the 10th minute and again their fast transition from defence to attack opened up the Laochra defence.
Rolbeard MacSlacals replied with a point for the hosts but this was quickly cancelled by a fine effort from Ronan Donnelly at the other end with 17 minutes on the clock.
MacSlacals was doing all in his power to get his side going as he pointed a free for his second of the evening but the visitors continued to look dangerous on the quick counter attack and Patrick McNelis struck for his second and his sides third with ten minutes remaining to the break.
Two well struck 2 pointer from the excellent MacSlacals and another single from the same player had it back to one as half time approached with Conall Smyth hitting a late score for Eire Og to leave them 2 ahead at the break.
Kevin Devine reduced the gap to one with a point on the restart and it seemed to be turning the way of Laochra Loch Lao when Sean O’Heachan got down well to save Conor McKenna’s penalty in the 3d minute.
They refused to heed the danger signs however as Mark Graham was left unmarked to gather a rebound of a Laochra upright and bury it in the net and move the visitors four ahead again.
Diarmaid MacPilib responded directly from a ‘45’ to close the gap to three again but Eire Og were playing some excellent football and Patrick McNelis fired over a fine point.
Eire Og continued to edge the exchanges as their opponents tried in vain to negate their goal threat and Conall Smyth got in for their fifth major with 9 minutes remaining and it looked as good as over.
Rian McShane from play and Diarmaid MacPilib with a 2 pointer free reduced the gap to four again but a Lorcan McIlroy converted free and another from play from the impressive Smyth ensured that there would be no way back for the Colaiste Feirste side.
They did hit the final point of the evening through Kevin Devine but it was too little-too late and it is Eire Og who are off to a flying start in this year’s championship.
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Graham Tarmac Junior Football Championship – Group 2
Pearse’s 3-11 Wolfe Tones 0-9
Pearse’s came into the game having defeated their North Belfast neighbours by significant margins in both league encounters, but championship football always brings that added spice that the league can’t quite replicate.
Both sides were fired up from the outset, and what followed was an intense hour of football, with little quarter asked for or given.
Pearse’s opened the scoring through Liam Deegan, who clipped over a tidy point from play. Wolfe Tones threatened a quick reply, but Martin Connor’s effort was comfortably dealt with by Eamonn McKenna. Pearse’s had the early momentum, and Aidan Bannon did well to block down Gerard McDonnell as Wolfe Tones tried to build from deep.
Stephen Fitzsimons added a free to stretch Pearse’s lead before Connor responded in kind to get Wolfe Tones on the board but Pearse’s continued to press, and after Fion Grew struck the crossbar, they picked off a fisted point to go further ahead.
Kieran Moloney kept Wolfe Tones in touch with a point from play, while Tomás Austin’s tame shot at the other end was easily gathered by Danny McIvor. Wolfe Tones then took the lead for the first time when Connor converted a two-point free after drawing a foul in a central position.
Deegan remained Pearse’s most dangerous forward, forcing a brilliant double save from McIvor with two goal attempts in quick succession. Grew then shot wide, but Deegan made no mistake with his next effort, lofting over a fine score from the right.
McDonnell replied with a 45 to edge Wolfe Tones back in front but Fitzsimons restored Pearse’s lead again with two well-struck frees, but the game was then halted for a lengthy period following a serious injury. The stoppage took the pace out of the match, and when play resumed, Wolfe Tones finished the half stronger.
McDonnell pointed from play just before the whistle, giving Wolfe Tones a slender one-point advantage at the break in a tense and physical first half.
Half Time: Pearse’s 0-6 Wolfe Tones 0-7
Pearse’s came out strongly after the break, with Liam Deegan levelling the game from a free. They took the lead for good moments later when James Smyth split the posts with a confident strike from play, and it was Smyth again who delivered the turning point, punching the ball to the net past Danny McIvor to open a clear gap between the sides.
Matthew McAllister added a free as Pearse’s kept the scoreboard ticking. Wolfe Tones struggled to make inroads against a disciplined defence, while Pearse’s grew in confidence. A fisted point followed before Vincent Lismore got on the end of a dropping ball from a 45 and directed it into the net to stretch their lead further.
Martin Connor managed a reply with a pointed free, but Pearse’s were relentless. Another score from play pushed them further ahead before Thomas McFarlane added a third goal, finding the net with a composed finish after breaking through the Wolfe Tones cover.
Pearse’s controlled the closing stages, but the game was much tighter than the scoreline suggested, with the home side having the clinical edge in front of the posts.
Goals, in the end, were the main difference. Wolfe Tones, though rueing their missed chances, will be buoyed by a good performance as they face Éire Óg in a fortnight. Pearse’s, by contrast, will be happier with the two points on the board.
Full Time: Pearse’s 3-11 Wolfe Tones 0-9
Pearse’s:
Eamonn McKenna, Darren O’Neill, Cormac O’Neill, Peter Johnston, Piaras Donaghy, Aidan Bannon, Thomas McFarlane, Vincent Lismore, Sean Moreland, Matthew McAllister, Fion Grew, Stephen Fitzsimons, Ciaran McCavana, James Smyth, Liam Deegan, Piaras Toolan, Philip Murray, Daniel Magee, Tomás Austin, Aodhan McCavana, Lorcan Grew
Wolfe Tones:
Danny McIvor, Dylan McAlorum, Jamie Carberry, Chris Dawson, Declan Moloney, Kieran Moloney, David Corry, Ryan Farrell, Gerard McDonnell, Martin Connor, Aaron McAllister, Christopher Quinn, Joseph McKeating, Darren Milligan, Declan Madden, Edward Breslin, Eoin Given, Daniel Nugent, Matthew McCann, Connor Burrows
With half time fast approaching this keenly contested SFC encounter at Quinn Park looked like it might go down to the wire with the sides locked at 0-9 apiece in an evenly contested opening 30 minutes.
Newcomers to the Senior Championship, All Saints were giving as-good as they got when disaster struck. A high challenge by Brendan McDonnell saw referee Ray Matthews reach for Red after consulting his linesman and from the free that followed Jimmy McCann sent a 2 pointer between the uprights.
McCann’s conversion sent the visitors across the road at the interval with a two point lead but it didn’t seem insurmountable and when Patrick McAuley took out Kavan Keenan with a high challenge after 30 seconds of the restart it appeared that parity of numbers might be restored.
This time the card was yellow however and things went from bad to worse for Baker Bradley’s side when Peter McReynolds was sent to the sin-bin after a silly trip with only seven minutes of the second half gone.
The opening exchanges were fairly even as both sides set about gaining advantage on a splendid Quinn Park surface in near perfect playing conditions with Kavan Keenan pointing All Saints ahead after 30 seconds.
Matthew Rodgers squared matters with the game still in the opening minutes and Conor Small moved the visitors two ahead when he raised the orange flag in the 2nd minute.
Two fine points from mid-fielder, Conor Stewart had it back level again by the 7th minute before Small restored his side’s lead again and then Conor McAteer got forward for an excellent point to move Creggan 0-5 to 0-3 ahead with 14 minutes gone.
The home side were battling hard and moving the ball about confidently as Ronan McKillop and James McDonnell struck two in quick reply to level matters for the third time as the game entered the second quarter as two well matched sides went head to head.
Conor Small was in impressive form for the Staffordstown Road side as he restored his side’s advantage again and Shea McCann punished a bad kick-out to increase that lead to two as the pace and intensity of the game increased.
A Ronan McKillop pointed free for All Saints and one at the other end from Conor Small had it still at two with 9 minutes remaining to the break but the Ballymena men hit a purple patch and seemed to be getting on top.
Points from James McDonnell, Conor Stewart and a superb effort with the outside of his boot from Ciaran Campbell saw All Saints hit the front for only the second time in the contest but a Jimmy McCann point saw it tied at 0-9 to 0-9 as the clock ticked down to the break.
McDonnell’s dismissal and McCann’s two point conversion from the resulting free saw the Kickham’s head to the dressing rooms with a two point lead and a one man advantage and the balance of power appeared to have swung decisively in their direction.
Patrick McAuley’s early yellow raised the tempo another level and the second half was only 2 minutes old when All Saints were awarded a penalty which James McDonnell confidently stroked past Oisin Kerr to edge his side ahead once more but the Ballymena side were unable to consolidate that lead.
Instead it was Creggan who began to gain control with Sean Duffin and Matthew Rodgers with a shot that screwed just inside the post, restoring the visitor’s lead.
14 became 13 for the home side after Peter McReynolds’ hand trip in the 7th minute with Conor Small converting the resulting free from close range after the ball had been moved forward for dissent.
Sean McVeigh pulled one back for the men in black but Creggan were now taking full advantage of their numerical advantage as Conor Small, Ruairi McCann and Liam McLernon moved them three clear at the end of the third quarter.
The Kickham’s were now controlling matters as substitute Liam Quinn added two more with his first and second touch of the ball and Jimmy McCann raised another orange flag before a fisted point from Matthew Rodgers moved them 9 ahead with nine minutes remaining.
All Saints continued to fight against impossible odds with corner-back Matty Downey hitting a fine 2 pointer and Conor Stewart added a point in the 28th minute but at this stage it was as good as over.
The group favourites finished in the ascendancy with Conor Small and Sean Duffin taking their total for the evening to 0-24 with substitute, Michael McCarry converting an injury time free for All Saints to conclude the scoring.
Creggan entertain Lamh Dhearg in their next game on Sunday August 3d and on this form look like the side most likely to top the group. The night before All Saints travel to St. Gall’s and anything less than a win is likely to see them facing elimination from the championship.
All Saints: Ryan Stewart, Matty Downey, Kavan Keenan, Cal O’Brien. Joe Rafferty, Shaun O’Callaghan, James McDonnell, Conor Stewart, Emmet Killough, Connell Lemon, Brendan McDonnell, Peter McReynolds, Sean McVeigh, Ciaran Campbell, Ronan McKillop
Subs: Peter McNicholl for Peter McReynolds, Michael McCarry for Ronan McKillop
Creggan: Oisin Kerr, Liam McLernon, Sam Maguire, Fintan Close, Dominic McAteer, Ethan Carey Small, Jimmy McCann, Kealan McCann, Patrick McAuley, Sean Duffin, Conor Small, Ruairi McCann, Shea McCann, Matthew Rodgers, Kevin Small
Subs: Liam Quinn for Dominic McAteer, Joe McAteer for Ethan Carey Small, Conor Johnston for Shea Mccann
Referee: Ray Matthews (Rossa)
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