OB Construction Antrim Intermediate Football Championship, Group 2
St Teresa’s 2-13-1-16 St Comgall’s
Kevin Herron reports from Pairc MhicDhomhnaill/ÚiDhoctairtigh
ST TERESA’S rallied in injury time to ensure they claimed a point in their 2-13-1-16 draw with St Comgall’s in the opening round of the OB Construction Antrim Intermediate Football Championship at Pairc MhicDhomhnaill/ÚiDhoctairtigh on Wednesday evening.
It was a clash that saw last season’s Intermediate runners-up host the winners of the Junior Championship with St Comgall’s hoping to make a mark on their return to the Intermediate scene.
St Teresa’s made a lightning start with Anton Taylor claiming a two-pointer within the opening 60-seconds, he popped over the second score of the game and Eoghan Hamill perfectly lined up a further point for the hosts.
Conor O’Rawe fires over a St. Teresa’s point
Miles Devine got St Comgalls off the score with a point from a tight angle and that was the catalyst for their first purple patch that saw them claim a further five scores unanswered.
A converted free from Ryan Clarke followed and Ruairi Griffin then fisted over to reduce the deficit to the minimum.
The Antrim town outfit levelled when Tom Patchett swivelled and shot over and after St Teresa’s were caught with a two-man infringement, Patchett kicked the resulting free to edge his side ahead.
Devine doubled his tally in the aftermath to double Comgall’s advantage (0-6-0-04), however quickfire points from Niall McCann and Ryan Mallon drew the hosts level.
St Comgalls regained the lead when Ruairi Griffin doubled his tally for the half and they would push the lead to three by the 20th minute following a sensational Michael McCabe attempt that curled over at the near post and a converted Ryan Clarke free.
A much needed two-pointer from Sean Maguire narrowed the deficit and after Paul Johnston was felled John Mallon restored parity again.
Both sides traded further points before the break with McCabe conjuring another angled point and Anton Taylor replying with the last kick of the half to ensure the sides were tied at 0-10 apiece.
Like the opening half, St Teresa’s made a fast start and lead for the second time through a Pierce O’Rawe score from inside the arc, things got better when Sean Maguire played the ball to Taylor and he slipped a pass into the path of Eoghan Hamill to steer home the opening goal of the evening and make it 1-11-0-10.
Dylan Murdock, Naomh Comhghall gets out in front of Pierce O’Rawe, St. Teresa’s
There was a sense of deja vu when St Comgalls capitalised on a malfunction from Mark Smalls 36th minute kick-out and Tom Patchett went for placement after being slipped through- finding the bottom corner.
A two-pointed James McCabe free put his side back in the driving seat and McCabe then landed a 45’ after Small did well to divert Ryan Clarke’s low shot around the post.
Midway through the half a fisted Griffin point stretched the lead and a second 45’ of the half from James McCabe had St Comgall’s well placed for victory by the 52nd minute.
The hosts were in a spot of bother and without a score since Hamill’s early second half goal, but the ever reliable Anton Taylor ended a 20-minute scoreless period with his fourth score of the night.
St Comgall’s re-established their four-point lead when McCabe fed Tom Patchett and he sold two dummies before popping the ball over to give his side a 1-16-1-12 lead with minutes remaining.
It was an advantage they would hold until two minutes into added time when St Teresa’s set-up a grandstand finish.
They won a free within distance of the posts and after St Comgall’s concentration lapsed, Niall McCann rocketed his first time free to the net to make it 1-16-2-12.
Tom Patchett celebrates after scoring St. Comgall’s goal
St Teresa’s immediately sought a leveller at the very least and when Ryan Mallon picked out substitute Paul McGoldrick in space, McGoldrick opted for a fisted point to square the game up.
Neither side were able to claim a winning score in the dying embers as they settled for a point apiece at the conclusion.
ST TERESA’S: M Small, P Glennon, P Johnston, A Dugan, C O’Rawe, E Connolly, R Mallon (0-1), C McGoldrick, P O’Rawe (0-1), J Mallon (0-1f), S Maguire (1×0-2pt), D McCann, E Hamill (1-1), N McCann (1-1), A Taylor (0-5, 1×0-2pt). Subs: P McGoldrick (0-1) for P Glennon (24), P Maguire for E Hamill (57).
ST COMGALL’S: M Emery, S Og Gribbon, E Lynott, S HInfey, D Murdock, J McCabe (0-4, 1×0-2ptf, 0-2 45’), M McCabe (0-2), L Higgins, J Henry, R Griffin (0-3), M Devine (0-2), A McGaw, T Patchett (1-03, 0-1f), L Phinn, R Clarke (0-2, 0-1f). Subs: L McAleer for D Murdock (51), A McHugh for A McGaw (57). REFEREE: Kevin Parke (Naomh Eanna)
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The Football Championship gets under way tonight (Wednesday) with the Intermediate series getting the 2025 campaign up and running and four games scheduled for tonight’s programme.
The Junior and senior follow at the week-end with games on Friday Saturday and Sunday.
Wednesday 30th August
Intermediate Football Championship (Group One)
St Ergnat’s Moneyglass v Patrick Sarsfield’s
(Moneyglass) 7.30pm
The opening game in the IFC looks likely to be a close fought affair bringing together the top sides in the second grade with the league winners Sarsfield’s travelling to Moneyglass hoping to build on their last visit in the league where they clinched the title with an away win..
Moneyglass were division two contenders for most of the season but that win for Sarsfields swung it firmly in their direction and St. Ergnat’s will be looking for a different conclusion to this meeting.
The Paddies gained a 1-17 to 1-14 win in that one and with the Division Two league title clinched they will travel to the South West on a quest to get their Intermediate Championship campaign off to a positive start.
This one is certain to attract a good attendance where ground advantage and a vociferous home support may aid St Ergnat’s to an opening day win but it is likely again to be close.
St Enda’s v St Patrick’s Lisburn (Hightown)
IFC Hightown – Wednesday 7-30
Glengormley based St Enda’s improved in the latter stages of their division 2 league campaign and could be running into form just at the right time as the Intermediate Championship gets underway.
St Patrick’s have made forward strides over the past couple of years and having gathered a 12 point haul in the league this term and they do seem set on a forward march at present.
St Patrick’s will travel to Glengormley looking to build on a descent league campaign and this one could be mighty close but home advantage could edge it in the way of the Hightown side.
IFC Group Two
Gort na Mona v St Joseph’s Glenavy
Wednesday – 7.30pm Enright Park
St. Joseph’s Glenavy finished their league campaign with a good win over St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass and could be running into a bit of form as the Champioship gets underway.
The sides played out a 1-14 to 1-14 draw at Enright Park in the league back in March and despite a poor division 2 league campaign Gort na Mona could again put it up to their visitors on Wednesday night and this may well be a close one but Glenavy will enter the fray as favourites on present form and they may well gain the day.
Last year’s beaten finalists, St. Teresa’s will be hoping to go one better this year and should open with a win when they entertain Naomh Comhghall Antrim.
Naomh Comhghall gained promotion from Division 3 last season and consolidated their position in division 2 this term and that will have been seen as success for the Antrim town side.
Manager Barry Burns will be hoping to collect a few scalps in the Intermediate championship however and Naomh Comhghall will travel to Belfast hoping to get their campaign off to a winning start but St. Teresa’s greater experience should see them off to a wining start.
Friday 1st August 7-30pm
Junior Football Championship Group 2
Pearses v Wolfe Tones
Pearses recorded a massive victory in the league over Friday night’s opponents back in June and should start their JFC campaign with a win over Wolfe Tones.
JFC Group 2 – Friday 7-30
Laochra Loch Lao v Eire Og
Laochra Loch Lao pushed St. Agnes close in the race for the league title and with home advantage at Colaiste Feirste should prove too good for Eire Og.
SFC Group 3 Ballymena 7-30 Friday
All Saints v Kickham’s Creggan Quinn Park
These sides met last Wednesday night in the division 1 league final at Dunsilly with Creggan emerging winners to claim the title. Only two points separated them on that occasion but Creggan were minus a number of players likely to start at Quinn Park while All Saints will welcome back the suspended Kavan Keenan.
Creggan have a good record over the Ballymena side in recent years and should start their Group 3 campaign with an away win
SFC Group 2 Friday – (August 1st)
Casement’s v Con Magee’s Glenravel – (Kelly Park) 7.30 pm
This all South West encounter sees Portglenone and Glenravel meet at Kelly Park in the opening round of the championship which should attract a good crowd.
Both the contestants enjoyed a positive league campaign with the home side finishing in 5th place but this will count for little in the championship.
Casement’s will start as favourites and ground advantage may well give them the edge but the Glensmen will travel confident of giving it their best shot but home advantage should swing it in favour of Casement’s.
Sat 2nd August
Senior Football Championship (Group 1)
Saturday (Toome) 6.00pm
Cargin v Tir na nOg
Reigning senior champions Erin’s Own Cargin begin their 2025 campaign as they play hosts to the men from Whitehill in a game in which they will start as firm favourites.
Ronan Devlin’s men lost to All Saints in the league semi-final but were short quite a number of regulars and are likely to be stronger for the championship opener.
Tir na nOg struggled in the league this term but with the threat of a relegation play-off out of the way they can now turn their attention to the championship.
They gave the Erin’s Own men a run for their money when they visited in the league and are sure to give it a real lash in Toome on Saturday.
Cargin have endured more than a few injuries this term but they do have a strong ‘bench’ at their disposal and should earn an opening victory.
.SFC Group 2 Saturday 7-00pm – Crumlin
St. James v O’Donovan Rossa (Crumlin)
This does look like a close game in prospect as St James Aldergrove play hosts to a Rossa side which has struggled to get it together in the league but should field stronger in the championship and this one could go either way with home advantage possibly edging it St. James way.
IFC Group 2 Round 2
Glenavy v St. Teresa’s
Saturday – 2-00pm – Chapel Hill
The Intermediate Football championship continues at pace with both sides having been involved in an opening round game on Wednesday night and at the time of writing those results were not known.
Glenavy finished their league campaign with a win over Moneyglass and could edge this one.
IFC Saturday Kirkwood Park 6-00pm
Naomh Padraig v Rasharkin
Naomh Padraig will face a St. Mary’s Rasharkin side who finished bottom of division 2 following an injury ravaged season and who will be playing their football in division 3 next year.
The men from Dreen will be keen to finish their season on a positive note but Naomh Padraig should have enough to win this one.
Junior Football Champioship Group 1
Sunday 2-00pm
St. Agnes v Ardoyne
St. Agnes already have a league title under their belts and will start as favourites to complete the double. They face an Ardoyne side who were the only team to beat them in the league when they met at Fennell Park.
Naomh Una reversed that result back in June at Sunday’s venue on their way to the league title and will start as favourites but this one could be close.
JFC Group 1 – 2-00pm Sunday
St. Malachy’s v O’Donnell’s-Cherryvale
This one could be mighty close but St. Malachy’s enjoyed a much stronger league campaign and on that form should get off to a winning start in Group 1
Cuchullian’s Dunloy v St John’s
SFC Group 1 Sunday 4.00pm (Dunloy)
Although it took St John’s a while to get it together in their league campaign the Corrigan side came strong in the latter stages to banish any thoughts of relegation.
Cuchullian’s fared more than well in the league, finishing in mid-table and they have been touted as potential senior championship challengers for a time as they play hosts to the experienced Johnnies.
Ground advantage will ensure Dunloy will start this one as firm favourites but although St John’s did not impress in the league they are more than capable of improvement and they will travel with confidence.
SFC Group 3
Sunday – 2-00pm Hannastown
Group 2
Lamh Dhearg v St. Gall’s
Lamh Dhearg and St. Gall’s cross swords in the opening game in Group 3 in Hannastown in a game that is sure to be keenly contested and could go either way. Only a point separated these sides in the league table with St. Gall’s finishing on 16 and Lamh Dhearg a point behind on 15 and there is likely to be little between them in this one with a draw not to be ruled out.
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St. Mary’s Aghagallon v St. Mary’s Ahoghill
Saturday 6-00pm – SFC Group 4 – Pairc Na Gael
It’s been an extremely difficult season for St. Mary’s Ahoghill and they dropped out of division 1 after a long spell in the top division. With falling numbers the Cloney side have decided to rebuild in division 2 next season but will be keen to give it one final bash in the SFC as they travel to Pairc Na Gael to face their namesakes, St. Mary’s Aghagallon.
The Aghagallon side have struggled this season themselves but looked to be running into a bit of form when they entertained All Saints in their final league game and with home advantage should win this one.
SFC Group 4 – Musgrave Park – Sunday – 4-00pm
St. Brigid’s v St. Paul’s
St. Brigid’s have their sights firmly fixed on a first Senior Championship win and this seemed to have been confirmed when they withdrew from a league semi-final meeting with Creggan last weekend.
They entertain a St. Paul’s side who gained promotion from division 2 last season and have acquitted themselves well in the higher grade, finishing well clear of the relegation zone.
With home advantage St. Brigid’s should have enough to get their Group 4 campaign off to a winning start but they are likely to face a battling challenge from the Shaw’s Road side.
IFC Group 1- Round 2
Sarsfield’s v St. Enda’s – 2-00pm – Sunday -2-00pm – Bear Pit
League winners Sarsfields should have enough to edge this one if they survive Wednesday night’s meeting with Moneyglass without any major setbacks but they will not get it all their own way against an improving St. Enda’s.
IFC Group 2 – Round 2
Naomh Comhghall v Davitt’s
Dunsilly – 2-00pm Sunday
Davitt’s make their championship bow against a Naomh Comhghall side who opened their campaign away to St. Teresa’s on Wednesday night and depending on that result, the Antrim town side look capable of repeating their league win over the Falls Road side at the same venue earlier in the season but it could be close.
Cushendall Ruairi Og 3-16 Glenariffe/Glenravel 015
Cushendall set up a final meeting with Loughgiel when they beat neighbours Glenariffe/Glenravel in Monday evening’s semi-final at Pairc Mhuir, Cushendall. O-05 to 0-01 up after ten minutes the home side always held the upper hand and went on the lead by 1-11 to 0-05 at the interval.
Glenariffe/Glenravel got the first score of the second half but Cushendall were soon back in control, and added two more goals on their way to an emphatic win.
The home side hit five points in the first five minutes, three of them from Jospeph McLaughlin and one each from Fiontan Bradley and Oran McCambridge and while Orrin O’Connor came back with two for the visitors Cushendall took over and after adding another Joseph McLaughlin point at the end of the first quarter Thomas McLaughlin got their first goal after a high ball into the ‘square’ by Oran McCambridge. Joseph McNaughton and Joseph McLaughlin tagged on two more points, and while James McHenry and Calum McHenry came back with two in the final minute of the half Cushendall were still 1-11 to 0-5 clear at the interval.
The lead was out to eleven early in the second half and while Cormac McKeown and Calum McIlwaine sent over two more for the visitors a goal from Oisin Woodhouse and a point from Fiontan Bradly ended the game as a contest. When Bradley scored his second goal inside five minutes there was no way back for Glenariffe/Glenravel side, and even though they came back with five points on the trot, two from Cormac Keown, two from Canice McIntosh and one from Peadar McDonnell, Cushendall finished strongly with points from Joseph McLaughlin and Fiontan Bradley to set up a meeting with Loughgiel next Monday evening.
Brendan McTaggart reports from Fr Healy Park, Loughgiel
Despite being reduced to 14 men just four minutes into the second half, Loughgiel produced a barnstorming 30 minutes after the half time interval to book their place in the U21 hurling final. The Shamrocks had trailed Dunloy by four points at half time after a first half that was largely played on the Cuchullains terms but the home side were dominant in the middle third of the pitch in the second half as Dunloy had no answer to their onslaught.
Jack McCloskey top scored for Loughgiel, finishing the hour with 1-7 – his goal coming after barely 15 seconds of the second half. Ronan Fitzgerald bagged the other Loughgiel major in the first half while Ruairi McCormick’s tally of 0-5 from midfield put him in contention for man of the match.
That accolade went to centre half back Ben McGarry however. He was immense at the heart of the Shamrock’s defence with Dunloy getting no change from him throughout.
Oisin McCallin impressed for the Cuchullains and finished with nine white flags by the end of the hour, four of those coming from placed ball.
Ryan Mort grabbed Dunloy’s goal shortly after Fitzgerald’s major with a super catch and rasping drive in a first half that saw the Cuchullains more than match their neighbours.
It was a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the Cuchullains who had all six starting forwards on the scoresheet by half time but they couldn’t match Loughgiel’s performance levels after the break.
The Cuchullains made a fantastic start to this semi final and had opened a five point lead by the sixth minute. Points coming from Aodhan McGarry, Oisin McCallin (2) and the Mort brothers Conor and Ryan raising white flags. Ruairi McCormick with the solitary response for the Shamrocks in the same time period.
Jack McCloskey (free) and Aidan Richmond swapped points before the first goal of the match in the 12th minute. A brilliant run from Roan McGarry wrong footed the Dunloy defence as he collected a cross field pass and while Eoghan Richmond saved his initial shot, Ronan Fitzgerald was first to the rebound and pulled first time to the back of the net.
The Dunloy response couldn’t have been more instant. From the restart, they made their way to the left hand side of the pitch where Aidan Richmond sent a high ball to the edge of the square. Ryan Mort managed to pluck the sliotar from the air with a brilliant catch that was matched with his strike as he gave Pearce Patterson no chance in goals for the Shamrocks.
The Cuchullains extended their lead to six points with scores from McCallin (2 frees), Francis McMullan and a super point from Luke McFerran while he was on his knees, Ben and Tiago McGarry with scores for the Shamrocks.
The home side hit a purple patch and while they kept Dunloy from scoring for close to ten minutes, they recorded four points unanswered with Roan McGarry, McCloskey (free) and a brace from Eoin McGarry bringing them to within two points.
Dunloy had the final say of the first half however with points from McCallin (free) and Luke McFerran to leave the half time score 1-12 to 1-8 in their favour.
The second half began in the best possible way for the Shamrocks as they found the back of the Dunloy net for a second time. A strong run from Ruairi McCormick through the middle drew the Dunloy defence and he found Jack McCloskey with a pop pass and he made no mistake with a thumping drive.
McCloskey would restore parity to the sides with a free moments later before Loughgiel were reduced to 14 men. Defender Connor Dickson was adjudged to have fouled Ryan Mort overzealously and saw red for his actions, much to the dismay of the Loughgiel players and management.
Despite McCallin pointing the resulting free, Loughgiel still played with vigour and momentum. Further scores from Roan McGarry and McCormick gave them the lead for the first time in the match in the 37th minute. Dunloy answered with a brace of points from McCallin in quick succession but the Shamrock’s turned the screw in the middle third and took control. They would hold Dunloy to just one point in 15 minutes while firing over 10 points of their own in a period of play that the Cuchullains had no answer to.
Ben McGarry (free), McCormick (2), McCloskey (4), Eoin McGarry, substitutes Charley O’Hagan and Liam McGarry raising the white flags with Dunloy substitute Ryan Scott the solitary score for Dunloy.
With the game ticking into the final five or so minutes, Dunloy went in search of goals. They laid siege on a Loughgiel defence that seemed to relish the challenge that was being brought before them. Jack Martin did add his name to the list of Dunloy scorers while McCallin went close from a 21 yard free but the goal they needed never materialised.
McCormick took his personal tally to 0-5 while McCallin rounded off the scoring in injury time.
A brilliant second half display from the Shamrocks who look ahead to the final and a meeting with Cushendall.
TEAMS
LOUGHGIEL: Pearce Patterson; Cahir Donnelly, Liam Glackin, Connor Dickson; Eddie Smyth, Ben McGarry, Tiago McGarry; Ruairi McCormick, Finn Henry; Eoin McGarry, Darragh Patterson, Ryan O’Boyle; Ronan Fitzgerald, Jack McCloskey, Roan McGarry
Subs: Conan Johnston for C Connolly (HT); Charley O’Hagan for R O’Boyle (43); Ashdon McGarry for R McCormick (59); Liam McGarry for J McCloskey (60)
Scorers: J McCloskey 1-7 (6fs); R McCormick 0-5; E McGarry 0-3; R Fitzgerald 1-00; R McGarry 0-2; B McGarry 0-2 (1f); T McGarry 0-1; C O’Hagan 0-1; C Johnston 0-1
DUNLOY: Eoghan Richmond; Reece Cunning, Sean Og Blaney, Michael Trainor; Joe Magee, Ben O’Kane, Tom McFerran; Aodhan McGarry, Jack Martin; Conor Mort, Francis McMullan, Ryan Mort; Aidan Richmond, Luke McFerran, Oisin McCallin
Subs: Ryan Scott for R Mort (35); Barry McCloskey for A Richmond (50); Cahir McMullan for J Magee (56)
Scorers: O McCallin 0-9 (4fs); R Mort 1-1; L McFerran 0-2; A McGarry 0-1; J Martin 0-1; C Mort 0-1; F McMullan 0-1; A Richmond 0-1; R Scott 0-1
REFEREE: Ray Matthews (Rossa)
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Shane O’Neill’s, Glenarm are through to the final of the U21B Hurling Championship after an epic battle with All Saints, Ballymena at Feystown on Monday night.
The game turned into a personal scoring shootout between Glenarm’s county panellist, Niall McGarrell and All Saints Darrach Bradley who was superb for the Ballymena side.
Seven points separated the protagonists in the end but the scoreline slightly flattered the home side with three of their four goals of the soft variety and down to poor defending by the visitors defence.
It was McGarel who got Shane O’Neill’s off on the front foot when he fired past Luke Walsh in the All Saints goals after 20 seconds to give the Feystown side the perfect start.
Darrach Bradley got All Saints off the mark with a couple of pointed frees and the Ballymena number 9 would play a major part in his side’s challenge as he struck 0-9 of his side’s first half total to give them a 0-10 to 1-6 half time lead.
Darrach Bradley scored 1-14 for All Saints but still finished on the losing side in Feystown
Their other score came from a long distance Pearse Martin free as Shane O’Neill’s continued to keep in touch with McGael adding all six of his sides opening half points.
John Scullion became only the fourth player to raise a white flag as he fired over the equaliser on the restart with McGarel pointing his side ahead before the excellent Bradley tied matters once more from a ‘65’.
A great catch and point on the turn by Michael Connolly saw the Slemish Park side edge ahead once more but Glenarm were starting to get on top and John Scullion cut in from the left to fire home their second goal with 8 minutes gone.
The Feystown side continued to press and Niall McGarel 0-3 and Robbie McDonald added points with Bradley again responding for the visitors to leave three in it after 18 minutes play.
McGarel pointed again before disaster struck for the visitors as Gerald Burns got in for a very soft goal to put more daylight between the sides.
Points from Pearse Martin and another converted Bradley free had it back to six with five minutes remaining before disaster struck again and this time it was substitute, Ronan Rodgers who was on hand to punish a defensive mistake for his side’s fourth goal of the evening.
Niall McGarel added a point and Ryan O’Boyle followed with another to put it well out of All Saints reach but the Ballymena side kept going to the end and man of the match, Bradley drove his free through a packed goalmouth with McGarel concluding the scoring with the game’s final point.
Shane O’Neill’s will now meet Tir na nOg in the final and in the end they were worthy winners but All Saints will be disappointed by the final result but their management should take great pride in their commitment on the night and the quality of their hurling.
John Scullion gave a polished performance at the heart of the Shane O’Neill’s defence
Niall McGarrell was excellent for the Feystown side and began to influence the contest when they moved him further out the field in the second half and he finished with 1-12 of his side total while Darrach Bradley contributed 1-14 for the Slemish Park side.
Shane O’Neill’s: 1 Blaine Mitchell, 2 Odhran Daly. 3 Michael Furey, 4 Robbie McDonald, 5 Ciaran McLoughlin, 6 John Scullion, 7 James O’Kane, 8 Charlie Black, 9 Sean McDermott, 10 Charlie Ward, 11 Shea McConnell, 12 Ryan O’Boyle, 13 Niall McGarel, Gerald Burns, Niall Rodgers.
Subs: Ronan Rodgers for JamesO’Kane
All Saints: Luke Walsh, 2 Robert Crooks, 3 Paddy Murphy, 4 Finn Connon, 5 Harry Connon, 6 Pearse Martin, 7 Connor O’Hara, 8 Archie McGreevey, 9 Darrach Bradley, 10 Sean O’Brien, 11 Jakub Kaczmarek, 12 Tiernan McGurk, 13 Michael Connolly, 14 Daniel Kelly, 25 Antoin Martin
Referee: Fergus McAlister (Cushendall)
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