Reports
SENIOR FEIS FINAL
DUNLOY WIN FEIS 03/07/11
DUNLOY 4-15 CUSHENDALL 0-11
Dunloy retain Senior Feis Cup, Cushendall clinch first McMullan Cup while Loughgiel win at the double Last weekend’s Feis na nGleann, which was hosted by the All Saints Ballymena for the first time in its 107 year history, turned out to be a great success with a range of titles in hurling, football and Camogie being decided.
Dunloy retained their Senior Feis Cup Hurling crown when they scored a comprehensive 4-15 to 0-11 win over Cushendall. When these two sides met in last year’s final it took extra time to decide the destination of the trophy but this time around the Cuchullains were clear winners as they turned in an impressive display.
With both teams missing their county players (because of next weekend’s crucial All Ireland qualifier against Limerick) Cushendall were obviously hardest hit but let’s take nothing away from Dunloy who showed impressive form. With Conor McKinley, James McKeague and Chris Kearns rock solid in defence and Colm Cunning and man of the match Sean Dowds dominating midfield they provided a solid platform for victory.
With all six forwards getting on the scoreboard the Cushendall defence were hard pressed, though they defended heroically and kept within touch until just before half-time when Kevin McQuillan rattled a Paddy Richmond cross to the Cushendall net to give his side a 1-9 to 0-5 interval lead.
The second-half saw more of the same as Dunloy always held the upper hand and two goals from the evergreen Paddy Richmond sealed an impressive win.
Scores
Dunloy
Paddy Richmond 2-2, Sean Dowds 0-7, Nigel Elliott 1-1, Kevin McQuillan 1-1, Paudie Shivers 0-3,Greg O’Kane 0-1.
Cushendall
Paddy McGill 0-3, Paddy McNaughton 0-2, Fred McAuley 0-2, Donal McNaughton 0-2, Sean Delargy 0-1, Eunan McKillop 0-1.
Teams
Dunloy C Brogan, M McClements, C McKinley, C Cunning, C Kearns, J McKeague, K Martin, C Cunning, S Dowds, P Shivers, L Richmond, G O’Kane, N Eliott, P Richmond, K McQuillan.
Cushendall R Kearney, S Delargy, O Scullion, T McAllister, E Heggarty, D McNaughton, S McKillop, P McNaughton, M Burke, P McGill, J McManus, E McKillop, F McAuley, B Delargy, A McNaughton.
Referee Owen Elliott - All Saints
Report from North Antrim GAA
SENIOR RESERVE COUNTESS of ANTRIM FINAL
CUCHULLAINS WIN FEIS 04/07/11
The final game of a sixteen game extravaganza saw North Antrim’s two fiercest rivals Dunloy and Loughgiel in opposition in the Countess of Antrim Cup final (Senior Reserve Hurling) and proved as good a game as any over the four days.
The exchanges were ‘teak tough’, to put it mildly, as Dunloy got the better of their old sparring partners with substitute Cormac Gaston grabbing a late winning goal for the Cuchullains to seal a bruising encounter.
With former Antrim stars like Malachy Molloy, Damian McMullan and Conor Cunning on show the Cuchullains had the better of a low scoring first half which ended with the Dunloy men 0-5 to 0-3 in front.
A brilliant goal from Malachy Molloy midway through the second-half seemed to have given Dunloy the edge, but some great hurling by Seamus Dobbin and Dan McCloskey saw Loughgiel edge their way back, and when Ronan Carey fired over the equaliser in the final minute, extra time seemed certain.
However a long range free from Dunloy goalkeeper Damian McMullan was finally finished to the net by Cormac Cunning to clinch victory for Cuchullains, though it took a great save by McMullan from a Chopper McGarry ‘rasper’ deep in injury time to deny the Shamrocks a draw.
ULSTER CLUB HURLING LEAGUE FINAL
DUNLOY OVERCOME LOUGHGIEL TO WIN ULSTER LEAGUE TITLE
DUNLOY 1-9 LOUGHGIEL 0-10
With just under five minutes remaining this game looked to be heading for extra time but two late Dunloy points earned them a third Ulster league crown in four years.
This was a typical derby game and Dunloy were unfortunate to be five points adrift at the short whistle as they had shot far too many wides.
A closely fought game throughout and one which kept referee Herbie McAuley on his toes throughout as he made a total of 7 bookings.
Both sides made several positional switches at the start with Loughgiel sending Barney McAuley to midfield and Damien Laverty going to full forward while Ronan McCloskey made a start at corner back and Mark McFadden was sent to the half back line.
Dunloy started with Paudie Shivers and Paul Shiels taking their spots at midfield with Colm Cunning moving to the forwards.
The game got off to a cracking start with both sides creating chances but both sides missed the target. By the 4th minute Loughgiel had got in behind the Dunloy defence but an excellent save from Gareth McGhee denied James Campbell after a long range free from Johnny Campbell had cannoned off the upright.
Dunloy then hit their second wide and when Paddy Richmond had sent the ball over the bar for Dunloy it was ruled out as Paddy Doherty had committed a third man tackle and earned the games first yellow.
Johnny Campbell then picked out Joey Scullion who fired over in the 7th and when Dunloy came upfield again and missed an easy score direct from the poc out Loughgiel punished their inaccuracy with Liam McKillop firing over from distance.
Dunloy’s defence now began to grow in stature and with Kevin McKeague and Conor McKinley well to the fore the ball was whipped forward and a simple handpass from Greg O’Kane left Sean Dowds to open the scoring.
Dunloy were now firmly encamped in the Loughgiel half and when Sean Dowds burst through he spotted an unmarked Paddy Richmond on the edge of the square and he passed. DD Quinn made an excellent save and cleared his lines via a relieved Paul Gillan.
Loughgiel were struggling to find room to operate and winning their first free in the 15th minute Gareth McGhee drove the ball deep into the Loughgiel half and Liam Richmonds clever lay off found Sean Dowds who pointed. Three more Dunloy wides took their tally to 8 while a much more economical Loughgiel soon restored their three point lead when a fine passing movement involving Eddie McCloskey and Joey Scullion saw them pass back to an unmarked Liam McKillop who picked off a long range effort.
A Joey Scullion 30yd free then duly followed in the 21st but direct from the poc out Greg O’Kane sent over a 65yd free to leave just two points between the sides.
Referee Herbie McAuley then booked Neil McGarry and Barney McAuley while Dunloy saw James McKeague follow them into the notebook as the challenges were teak tough and not for the faint hearted. Joey Scullion again from the placed ball put 0-3 between the sides as Dunloy gave away easy frees and when Eddie McCloskey was sent through by Joey Scullion in the 27th minute he raced towards goal but saw his shot blocked but regaining possession he took the point on offer to now leave 0-4 between the sides.
Dunloy now saw their second goal chance go a begging when Sean Dowds found Paddy Richmond unmarked but his pass was over hit and the ball drifted harmlessly wide. With half time fast approaching a rare slip from man of the match Kevin McKeague saw Odhran McFadden gain possession to score his first point of the game to give Loughgiel a commanding lead of 0-8 to 0-3 at the short whistle.
A change at half time saw Dunloy replace Paddy Doherty with Chris Brogan and with less than a minute played Dunloy had cut the Loughgiel lead to 0-4 when Paudie Shivers sent over a long range point.
Dunloy then saw a 70yd free go wide in the 3rd minute while at the other end Loughgiel were now struggling to find a way past a very strong Dunloy defence.
Backchat from Dunloy saw a Loughgiel free moved ten yards closer to the target and Joey Scullion made no mistake in putting the ball over the bar but direct from the poc out Dunloy worked the ball forward and Colm Cunning sent over from distance to now leave 0-4 separating the sides.
Dunloy were now finding their form and in the 6th minute they had cut the gap to just 0-2 when Greg O’Kane sent over a wonderful point curling the ball inside the posts.
Dunloy were now in control of the game as Loughgiel chased the game and when they conceded a 10th minute penalty they were let of the proverbial hook when Gareth McGhee completely miss timed the ball and his weak shot was easily saved.
By the 11th minute Dunloy had the ball over the bar this time Paul Shiels was left clear and given time and space he pointed from all off 80yds.
Loughgiel now rang the changes replacing James Campbell with Kevin McGarry but with the Dunloy half back dominating the game Loughgiel were finding it harder and harder to break though.
Dunloy had the game under their control but again wasteful shooting saw them miss three in a row and in the 22nd minute Joey Scullion and restored their three point lead.
Loughgiel again reshuffled their pack sending on Shea Casey for Odhran McFadden but Dunloy now got right back into the game when from a high ball in from Greg O’Kane came back off the upright Paul Shiels was on hand to drive the ball to the corner of the net to leave the sides locked on 1-7 to 0-10.
Dunloy were in control of the game but again more wides were to follow and Loughgiel then burst forward and Damien Laverty saw himself blocked and a scramble ensued. Kevin McKeague emerged with the ball but again a foul had been committed by a Dunloy defender but the subsequent free was sent wide.
Loughgiel now came in search of a winning score but were beaten back and when Cathaoir Cunning won a series of frees out of his defence Loughgiel were forced to shoot from distance.
It was now their turn to waste possession and a 27th minute wide was punished by Dunloy as winning their first free inside their own half.
Greg O’Kane made no mistake in finding his range as he gave Dunloy a slender lead and when he collected the ball less than a minute later he fired over to give Dunloy a two point lead.
Loughgiel came in search of goal and a surging run from Shea Casey was ended when a well timed block from Michael McClements saw the ball quickly cleared.
A last gasp long range effort from Loughgiel went wide and with nearly three minutes of injury time played referee Herbie McAuley called for the ball as Dunloy ran out winners on a 1-9 to 0-10 scoreline.
How They Played
On the day Dunloy were the much better side and should have won this game by much more than two points. They held the Ulster champions scoreless in the second half and for much of this game Dunloy dominated the game.
Loughgiel will point to the fact they were missing Liam Watson but it must also be remembered they played a side who in their own words had only trained three or four times since losing back in August to the same opposition.
Dunloy defence were outstanding and over the hour they only conceded three points from play inside the forty and never gave Loughgiel any real room to operate.
Both sides produced some flowing hurling and many of the scores were well worked but as the game progressed Dunloy began to take control and only poor shooting from their forwards kept Loughgiel in the hunt.
Stats from the game show a total of 23 wides, 15 of which belonged to Dunloy 8 to Loughgiel and scores from play show Loughgiel taking 0-5 while Dunloy hit 1-7 from play.
For Loughgiel their best came from netminder DD Quinn who produced a couple of excellent saves while infront of him Neil McGarry, Johnny Campbell and Paul Gillan worked tirelessly for Loughgiel. At midfield Barney McAuley and Liam McKillop worked hard but overall this was an area dominated by the Dunloy duo. Up front Loughgiel never got going and were well shackled but overall Joey Scullion and to a lesser extent Eddie McCloskey tried hard.
For Dunloy their defence was outstanding with Kevin McKeague man of the match as he formed a rock solid half back line with Kevin Molloy and James McKeague. Indeed Dunloy six defenders did what was asked of them and the only blot on their copy book was a willingness to give away silly frees. Midfield saw Paudie Shivers excellent while a roving Paul Shiels worked well over the hour and was well placed to take his goal. Upfront Dunloy wasted many opportunities but led by Greg O’Kane, Sean Dowds Colm Cunning and Paddy Richmond they gave Loughgiels defence a thorough testing.
Scores
Dunloy Greg O’Kane 0-4 (0-2 frees), Paul Shiels 1-1, Sean Dowds 0-2, Colm Cunning 0-1, Paudie Shivers 0-1.
Loughgiel Joey Scullion 0-5 (0-4frees), Liam McKillop 0-2, Eddie McCloskey 0-1, Johnny Campbell 0-1 free.
Teams
Dunloy G McGhee, M McClements, C McKinley, C Cunning, K Molloy, J McKeague, K McKeague, C Cunning, P Shivers, P Shiels, L Richmond, G O’Kane, P Richmond, P Doherty, S Dowds. Sub C Brogan for P Doherty.
Loughgiel D Quinn, P Gillan, N McGarry, B McAuley, R McCloskey, J Campbell, M Scullion, M McFadden, L McKillop, E McCloskey J Campbell, O McFadden, B McCarry, J Scullion, D Laverty. Subs K McGarry for J Campbell, S Casey for O McFadden, A McCloskey for Laverty.
Referee L McAuley Glenravel
ULSTER SENIOR HURLING LEAGUE
ELLIOTT GOAL SEALS DUNLOY VICTORY 10/04/10
DUNLOY 2-13 GLENARIFFE 1-10
A late goal from veternan Alistair Elliott three minutes from time sealed a hard earned victory over a lively and capable Glenariffe side to seal Dunloys place in the Ulster Hurling league latter stages.
Backed by a strong breeze Glenariffe were first to open the scoring as Conor McAllister picked off a point from midfield and when Kevin McDonnell cut inside and saw his shot from close range tipped up and over the seasiders had stretched their lead to 0-2.
Paul Shiels in the 8th drew Dunloy level as he converted a 45yd free and when Dunloy turned defence into attack Alistair Elliott was left to pick off the equalising point.
Glenariffe again stretched ahead and were playing some nice one touch hurling as Johnny Tosh fired over from the placed ball in the 11th and 14t minutes.
Dunloy kept in touch as Paul Shiels immediately pulled one back for Dunloy and when a poor poc out from the Glenariffe keper was charged down Paddy Richmond was on hand to score Dunloys final point of the half.
Wides now became the order of the day as Dunloy took their tally to 4 while at the opposite end Glenariffes tally also worked it way up to 4. Johnny Tosh in the 20th broke free from his marker and picked off a point for Gleanariffe to open a one point gap but Dunloy defence held on until the 29th when Conor McAllister converted a 65 after a smart save from Gareth McGhee to deny Martin Butler.
As half time approached Glenariffes lead had been stretched to 0-3 when from a long range free Conor McAllister sent the ball over the bar to leave the half time score Dunloy 0-4 Glenariffe 0-7.
The second half saw Dunloy now playing with a strong breeze and in the 4th minute Kevin McQuillan opened the scoring as he collected the ball from a huge Gareth McGhee poc out to leave just two between the sides.
Glenariffe then hit back with a Johnny Tosh 40yd free after Martrin Butler had been upended to restore their three point lead.
Paddy Richmond now won a 21yd free and from the resulting free in Paul Shiels sent the ball over the bar to again leave just 2 points between the sides.
Dunloy now hit their first goal in the 7th minute when clever interpassing between Colum Cunning and Paddy Richmond split open the Glenariffe defence and Alistair Elliott gave the keeper little chance with his well struck effort and Dunloy now held a slender 1 point lead.
Cathaoir Cunning then fired over point from an acute angle and when Paul Shiels soloed through to pick off a 10th minute point Dunloy had now established a three point lead.
Glenariffe had rarely threatened in the second half and with only their second attack Johnny Tosh sent Martin Butler on his way, his initial shot was blocked down and in their attempts to clear Dunloy lost possession and with a simple flick of the ball Kevin McDonnell slammed home his sides goal to leave the sides all square on 1-8 apeice.
Dunloy now hit 5 wides in a row as they dominated possession but failed to convert it into scores and in the 21st minute Paddy Richmond moved out to the forty and picked off a point.
Glenariffe dug deep and in the 23rd minute hard work was rewarded when Conor McAllister knocked over a long range free but direct from the poc out Gareth McGhee again delivered the ball right into the hand of Paddy Richmond who fired over to leave Dunloy ahead by a single point.
Again Paddy Richmond won the poc out and fired over to now leave 0-2 between the sides but in the 25th minute Johnny Tosh sent over a 30yd free to set up a close finish.
Dunloy now upped the tempo and with just two minutes remaining strong running from Colum Cunning set up Alistair Elliott and once again the veternan forward showed his marker a clean pair off heels as he fired home his second goal of the game to give Dunloy a four point cushion.
Paul Shiels capped a hard earned victory for Dunloy with two late points as Dunloy held on to win on a 2-13 to 1-10 final scoreline.
HOW THEY PLAYED
This was a close fought and highly entertaining game which saw the lead change hands on several occassions. With the breeze having a major impact in the game despite having plenty of early possession Glenariffe only led by 3 at the interval and against such a strong breeze it was always an attainable target.
Dunloy are still without many of their regulars and on Saturday they had to dig deep to finally overcome a very strong Glenariffe side who pushed them all the way.
For Dunloy their best came from Gareth McGhee in nets who once again pulled off two excellent saves and in front of him Paddy Martin had an excellent contest with Johnny Tosh while Kevin Mckeague, Chris Kearns and James McKegue worked hard in defence. Midfield saw Colum Cunning work tirelessly for his side while up front Paul Shiels, Paddy Richmond and Alistair Elliott were the danger men for Dunloy.
For Glenariffe they worked hard with keeper Shannon McToal working hard between the posts while infront of him Randal McDonnell, Chris Shepard, Mickey Gettins and Mark Nutly all tried hard. Midfield saw Conor McAllsiter in excellent form while up front Kevin McDonnell, Martin Butler and Johnny Tosh the pick of the Glenariffe attack.
Scores
Dunloy Alistair Elliott 2-1, Paul Shiels 0-6, Paddy Richmond 0-4, Cathaoir Cunning 0-1, Kevin McQuillan 0-1.
Glenariffe Kevin McDonnell 1-1, Johnny Tosh 0-5, Conor McAllister 0-4.
Teams
Dunloy G McGhee, P McKeague, P Martin, C Kearns, K Molloy J McKeague, K McKeague, R McErlean, C Cunning, K McQuilan, P Shiels, C Cunning, A Elliott, P Richmond, C Brogan.
Glenariffe S McToal, C McToal, M McKillop, C Shephard, M Nutly, M Gettins, R McDonnell, C McAllister, K Healy, M Bulter, P McDonnell, D McKillop, K McDonnell, J Tosh, A Cosgrove.
Referee G Duffy St Galls.
ULSTER CLUB HURLING LEAGUE
UNBEATEN DUNLOY REACH QUARTER FINALS 27/03/10
DUNLOY 3-11 BALLYCRAN 1-8
Dunloy make it four wins out of four as the came from behind to overcome a strong and determined Ballycran side who assisted by the breeze had led 1-6 to 1-2 at half time.
Against the breeze Dunloy opened the scoring with a point from Alistair Elliott in the 3rd minute but a combination of the strong breeze and some excellent defensive work by Ballycran.
A long range solo effort from Peter Gilmore drew the Down side level and in the 6th minute Colm McManus gave his side a slender 1 point lead when he fired over a 30yd free.
Dunloys makeshift side were creating openings but the breeze took several chances wide and by the 12th minute they fell furhter behind as Mick Braniff tested the Dunloy defence as his shot shaved the Dunloy crossbar and went over.
Gary Gordon was working hard around the middle and when took a handpass from Donal Ennis he fired over to now leave 0-2 between the sides.
Colm McManus again proved accurate from the placed ball as this time he pointed from a very acute angle and in the 23rd minute Ballycran took a huge step in taking control of this game.
Gary Savage won the ball on the 40 and despite an intial block down by a Dunloy defender it was snapped up by Scott Nicholson who in turn picked out an unmarked Mick Braniff who lofted the ball over an advancing Dunloy keeper.
Dunloy now came in search of a score and it duly arrived a full 22 minutes after their last one as Liam Richmond fired over to leave 0-6 between the sides.
With half time fast appraoching Colm McManus again fired over from the placed ball as Ballycran restored their 7 point cushion but with two minutes of normal time remaining Dunloy got themselves right back into the game when Ali Richmond set Alistair Elliott on his way. Drawing in denfenders he passed to an unamrked Cathaoir Cunning who volleyed to the net to leave the score Ballycran 1-6 Dunloy 1-2 at the break.
The second half saw Dunloy introduce Paul Shiels as they lost Ali Richmond to injury and Shiles made an immediate impact setting up Conor Cunning with a point inside 20 seconds.
A free from Paul Shiels found its way over the bar but Ballycran hit right back to restore their four point lead as Mick Braniff again saw a goal bound effort tipped up and over and direct from the poc out the ball was worked into the corner to Aiden Clarke who picked off a point.
Dunloy now upped their workrate and with their half back line beginning to take control of the game and a simple handpass out of defence was caught and pointed by Paul Shiels,
by the 12 th minute the Ballycran was now reduced to a single point as Paul Shiels again picked off a point and by the 20th minute Dunloy had taken the lead as he weaved his way though the Cran defence and finished with a goal.
Alistair Elliott then got in on the scoring act pointing from an almost impossible angle and by the 22nd minute Dunloy were in completed control of the game as they led 2-8 to 1-8.
In the final five minutes of the half Dunloy upped the tempo and hit points from the Cunning brothers Colum and Cathaoir and when Colm McGuickan also picked off a late point there was still time for Paul Shiels to pick off his second goal to leave the full time Score 3-11 to 1-8.
HOW THEY PLAYED
This was a game very much of two halves and with the breeze at their backs in the second half Dunloy were able to pull clear. Ballycran missing so many first choice players pushed them all the way and in the end it turned into a very entertaining contest.
Scores
Dunloy Paul Shiels 2-4, Cathaoir Cunning 1-1, Alistair Elliott 0-2, Liam Richmond 0-1, Conor Cunning 0-1, Colum Cunning 0-1, Colm McGuickan 0-1.
Ballycran Mick Braniff 1-2, Colm McManus 0-3, Gary Gordon 0-1, Peter Gilmore 0-1, Aiden Clarke 0-1.
Referee Eoin Elliott- All Saints
Back to TopULSTER CLUB HURLING LEAGUE
DUNLOY TOO STRONG FOR SLAUGHNEIL 06/03/10
DUNLOY 4-21 SLAUGHNIEL 0-6
A depleted Dunloy side were too strong for a young inexperienced Slaughneil side on Saturday 6th March. Dunloy fresh from their All Ireland campiagn fielded without several regulars and ran out easy winners.
Paddy Doherty was a constant source of danger and the Dunloy youngest quickly settled any early nerves when he collected the ball from Kevin McKeague and fired in Dunloy’s first goal.
It was a fast and fit Dunloy which now took control of the game as Paudie Shivers, Conor Cunning and Paddy Doherty all fired over long range points and in the 11th minute Slaughneil got their opening score from a 45yd free.
Paddy Doherty was on top form and hit another 2 for Dunloy and when Chrissy Brogan sent one over from an impossible angle Dunloy had opened up a 9 point lead.
Slaughneil again hit two points from the placed ball but with 9 minutes reamaining Chris Brogan collected the ball from Paddy Doherty to fire home Dunloy's second goal of the half.
Dunloy were now in full flow and with Doherty, Conor Cunning, Paudie Shivers and Chris Brogan all tagging on Dunloy points to leave the home side comfortably ahead on a 2-11 to 0-4 scoreline.
The second half saw Dunloy pick up from where they had left off and with a very strong defence which saw Kevin Molloy, James McKeague and Kevin McKeague win the bulk of possession and by the 9th minute Dunloy had their 3rd goal as Alistair Richmond kicked one over the endline as the Slaughniel keeper had made an excellent save from Conor Cunning.
Dunloy then rang the changes and sent on Alistair Elliott, Peter McKeague and Paddy Richmond. Kevin Molloy then drilled over a long range free in the 17th but a minute later Alistair Elliott was left unmarked on the edge of the square and goal number 4 was scored.
Dunloy now took their foot off the pedal and late points from Paddy Richmond and Conor Cunning gave them a 4-21 to 0-6 final scoreline.
HOW THEY PLAYED
For Slaughniel this was a baptism of fire and they never got going and when these sides last met a late goal from Dunloy gave them a narrow two point victory.
Dunloy fielded 8 of the side that lost to Portuma and had control of this game almost from the throw-in.
Quicker sharper and the ablity to pick out their men saw the Ulster champions get their Ulster league campaign off to a winning start.
For Dunloy goalkeeper Ger Dixon made his senior bow and did everything asked of him and infront of him all six defenders gave him plenty of cover. Midfeld saw Colum Cunning and Paudie Shivers control the game while up front Paddy Doherty, Conor Cunning and Chris Brogan gave Slaughniel a torrid time.
ALL IRELAND CLUB HURLING SEMI FINAL
CANNING POINTS UNDO DUNLOY 17/02/10
DUNLOY 0-12 PORTUMA 2-17
Joe Canning's clincial finishing from frees saw his Portuma reach their third all Ireland in a row as the big burly full forward sent over an impressive 1-8 from frees.
Dunloy did however give the champions plenty to think about and for long peroids in the second half the Antrim and Ulster champions rolled back the years and produced some excellent hurling.
The loss of so many key players in Damien McMullan, Malachy Molloy, Conor McKinley and Darren Quinn saw a very young and inexperience Cuchullians side take to the pitch.
Right from the throw in Dunloy were quick off the mark with Paddy Richmond opened his sides account with a well taken point.
Portuma were soon on level terms as Dunloy needlessly conceded a free when the picked the ball of the surface and Joe Canning sent over the resulting free.
Dunloy then fell further behind when Joe Canning again converted a huge 80yd free inside the 2nd minute and by the 4th minute Portuma were leading 0-3 to 0-1.
After a bright start now Dunloy were coming under serious pressure and mistakes in their own game allowed Portuma to take advantage as twice they overturned possession and when Canning converted his 3rd free in as many minutes to see Portuma leading 0-4 to 0-1.
Dunloy now hit back in the 10th minute when Sean Dowds saw his free find its range and go over the bar.
Portuma then mounted another attack but this time it was well broken down by the Dunloy defence and swept upfield and Kevin McKeague slipped past his marker and fired over to cut the gap to a single point.
However Portuma are not champions for nothing and soon re-established their 0-3 cushion with points from Kevin Hayes and strong running from Damien Hayes saw him recieved the ball from Joe Canning and he picked off a point.
Peter Smyth then added a further point in the 17th minute his effort from a very acute angle and when Joe Canning tagged on 19th minute free it was 0-7 to 0-3.
Dunloy were working hard but little mistakes led to grave consequences when in the 20th minute Dunloy had possession and lost it needlessly. From a high ball in to Joe Canning he simply passed outside to Ciaran Ryan on the overlap and there was little Gareth McGhee could do as he was beaten at his near post.
This seemed to spark Dunloy into life and back they came with a solo effort from Paddy Doherty and when Joe Canning and Sean Dowds traded frees it was 1-6 to 0-5 with less than two minutes until half time Kevin Hayes gave his side a half time lead on a 1-10 to 0-5 scoreline.
The second half saw Dunloy emerge a different side and despite losing the first score of the half to a Canning free Dunloy began to back into the game.
An unfortunate injury to Sean Dowds saw him forced to retire and and Paul Shiels then took over free taking duty.
Greg O'Kane was rolling back the years winning possession and driving forward at every opportunity and he created the opening for Paul Shiels who was hauled down.
From the resulting free in Paul Shiels duly converted and when a three man move saw Greg O'Kane finish with a well taken point.
Dunloy had now built up a head of steam and were keeping Portuma pinned bacjk in their own half and in 10th minute Paul Shiels saw a huge 100yd free sail neatly between the posts.
Momentum was now with Dunloy but in the 13th minute a move arose which should have seen Dunloy take full advantage and crack home a goal but it was send wide.
From the resulting poc out Portuma again were awarded a rather soft free and Joe Canning then sent over to leave 0-7 between the sides.
Dunloy had done well to hang in there but a Liam Richmond 15th minute point was to signal a rise in tempo from Portuma.
3 unswered points from Andy Smyth (2) and 1 from Joe Canning saw all Dunloy's hard work undone and in the 22nd minute Kevin Molloy was on hand to clear a certain Damien Hayes goal but following up was Kevin Hayes who fired over.
Dunloy refused to lie down and found themselves again bearing down on goal but luck and the width of the post saw them denied. Kevin McKeague was on hand to then fire over a long range point and when Malachy Molloy was introduced in the 24th minute Dunloy had closed the gap to 0-9.
Andy Smith and Paul Shiels traded points with 4 minutes to go and in the 27th minute controvesry reigned as a 21yd free was moved to a more adventageous position. Canning sent the ball like a rocket to the net and Ciaran Ryan gave Portuma a 2-18 to 0-12 win and seal their place in a third all Ireland final.
HOW THEY PLAYED
Although they lost this game by 12 points there was not 12 points between the sides. Dunloy much maligned defence gave an excellent account of themselves and managed to hold Joe Canning scoreless from play.
Without a shadow of a doubt Portuma are and have taken club hurling to another level and were sublime in everything they did. Their hurling flowed and with little fuss and their use of intelligent play were always to the fore Dunloy however came to Dublin with nothing to prove and on a day when many felt this game would be over in minutes Dunloy stuck to their task and had they had a full out a full team then perhaps the scores might have been closer.
Dunloy lost so much experience in the absence of both Malachy Molloy and Damien McMullan but their replacements took the game to Portuma and gave an excellent account of themselves.
Free ultimately were Dunloy's undoing and the free count showed Dunloy conceding far too many and with a player of the ability of Joe Canning ever single free awarded resulted in a point for his side.
One could only admire the Portuma side but on the day Dunloy gave an outstanding account of themselves and can hold their heads high.
For Dunloy Gareth McGhee never put a foot wrong and his poc outs were long and well directed, infront of him James McKeague was given the difficult task of marking Canning and he accepted his duties and gave Canning a really tough game. Alongside him debutants Kevin Molloy, Cathaoir Cunning and Kevin McKeague worked tirelessly over the hour as did the entire Dunloy defence with Michael McClements and Paul Shiels solid over the hour.
Midfeld saw Portuma hold sway but trying hard was Colum Cunning while up front Dunloy tried hard with Greg O'Kane, Sean Dowds and when introduced Alistair Elliott worked hard.
For Portuma their defence were strong and secure with Aiden O'Donohoe, Ollie Canning, Michael Ryan and Garret Heagney outstanding. Midfield saw Leo Smyth and Eoin Lynch form a very capable partnership while up front Joe Canning was excellent and recieved plenty of help and support from Damien Hayes, Andy Smyth and Kevin Hayes.
Scores
Dunloy
Paul Shiels 0-4 frees, Sean Dowds 0-2 frees, Kevin McKeague 0-2, Paddy Richmond 0-1, Greg O'Kane 0-1, Liam Richmond 0-1, Paddy Doherty 0-1.
Portuma
Joe Canning 1-8 frees, Ciaran Ryan 1-1, Andy Smyth 0-3, Kevin Hayes 0-3, Damien Hayes 0-2, Peter Smyth 0-1.
Teams
Dunloy G McGhee, M McClements, J McKeague, C Cunning, K McKeague, P Shiels, K Molloy, P Shivers, C Cunning, G O'Kane, L Richmond, C Cunning, P Doherty, P Richmond, S Dowds. subs A Elliott for S Dowds inj, D Kelly for P Doherty.
Portuma I Canning, A O'Donnell, E McEntee, O Canning, G Heagney, M Ryan, P Smyth, L Smyth, E Lynch, A Smyth, K Hayes, C Ryan, D Hayes, J Canning, M Dolphin.
Referee Brian Garvin Offaly.
St Louis Ballymena into All Ireland Camogie Final
St. Louis Ballymena produced a battling performance to overcome a fancied Presentation College, Kilkenny in Saturday’s All Ireland U16 B Colleges Camogie semi-final in Nowlan Park, Kilkenny.
Both teams started well with solid defending keeping the game scoreless until the 13th minute when Emma McAleese(Portglenone) split the posts for the Ballymena side.
This settled some nerves and was followed by a point for Ellen Gribbin(Dunloy). Emma McAleese again found the target and stretched the St Louis lead to 3 points before Presentation pulled one back from a free. Helen McGhee (Portglenone) increased the
lead as she pulled off a superb catch and calmly slotted the ball
over the bar. Half time score 4-1 to St Louis.
Presentation started the second half strongly and, despite some excellent defending and great Goalkeeping from Shari Carey, scored 2 goals and 2 points without reply. The St Louis defence was under severe pressure for the first 15 min of the second half but the ball eventually made its way upfield and some great work from the forwards resulted in a 45m free. Niamh Doherty (Portglenone) lobbed a high ball into the square and a Cara McIntyre(Loughgiel) touch helped it find the back of the net. The Ballymena girls maintained the effort and Ellen Gribbin turned her player and found the net again 5 min later. This was quickly followed by a Cara McIntyre point and another goal, this time from the foot of Ellen Gribbin. This left the Ballymena side 5 points up with 5 min to go.
Presentation collected the ball from the puck out and broke through to hit the St Louis net with 2 min remaining. A determined effort from all players ensured that this was the last score of the game and St Louis ran out winners 3-5 to 3-3 to make an appearance in the schools first ever All Ireland Camogie Final.
It was a fantastic team performance with great defence from Lauren Elliott, Shannon Woulahan and Eimear McGarry in particular.
Midfields Niamh Doherty and Lucia McNaughton showed outstanding work rate and skill.
Emma McAleese and Ellen Gribbin worked tirelessly in forwards.
From Antrim GAA website
Back to TopAll Ireland Semi-Final
Gritty Dunloy Undone by Clinical Canning 17/02/10
Dunloy 0-12 Portumna 2-18
It was billed as a David versus Goliath encounter by most, especially the bookies who gave us no chance against our opponents. Odds of 1/100 were a slander on the character of our boys that fought gallantly in Parnell Park on Sunday.
Gritty and tough, two of the words being used by the pundits to describe our performance against the All Ireland champions for the past two years. From keeper to the corner, to a man, our boys fought with the heart and the determination that is always shown when we represent our parish and club at this level.
It was Dunloy who opened the scoring after just 10 seconds when Paddy Richmond fired over a quick ball from the middle field throw in. We held the lead for all of 30 seconds when Damian Hayes began a run of four unanswered points for the Galway men.
Joe Canning accounted for the other three, all from the dead ball, the third of which was a goal-bound effort from the 21-yard line which was superbly tipped over by McGhee in goals.
Five minutes later the quick hands of Canning released Ciaran Ryan who made not mistake and raised the green flag for Portumna.
Paddy Doherty quickly replied but within minutes Canning and Kevin Hayes both raised flags either side of a Sean Dowds free for a 1-10 to 0-5 half-time lead.
Our best spell came just after the restart when four unanswered points, including a peach from Gregory O’Kane and a huge effort from Kevin McKeague, made the score 1-11 to 0-9 after 46 minutes.
With Portumna held scoreless for 12 minutes, it took a brace of Canning frees to settle their team, and when the full forward smashed the net with a 21-yard effort two minutes from time our dreams of another All Ireland final were over.
In reflection it was a tale of two defences and dead ball artists. Our defence made up of youth stood tall when it counted. Portumna relied on Canning, who in honesty gave a master class of free taking that we have been accustomed to seeing recently. It should be mentioned that Canning remained scoreless from James McKeague who stuck to his daunting task brilliantly and gave Canning and co something to think about on various occasions.
Our half back line with an average age of 21 showed unbelievable maturity and skill in the face of experienced campaigners from the Portumna forward and midfield line out.
The middle of the park saw a battle as Paudie and Colum attempted to curtail the quick delivery of ball to Portumna’s inside forward line. Both were dogged and had their work cut out especially under the dropping ball of many of their shorter puc outs.
In attack our forwards found it hard to find the gaps in front of our opponent’s goals. This wasn’t for the want of trying as Portumna deployed their centre half forward Hayes into the middle of the park allowing their midfielders to play an extra defensive role. Although this allowed Paul Shiels a sweeping role it had a serious affect on our attacking. This is reflected in the fact that only three scores from the two Richmonds and Paddy Doherty came from within thirty yards of goal.
It was great day for our club, to be back at this stage on Sunday with a team that is seen to be in the “transition stage”. We played a team that have three all Irelands in the last four years which shows the quality we were up against. We stuck to our task and came out proud.
Others have written us off on various occasions but they can say what they want. Our records are there for all to see. This year will stand to us in our bids to retain our Antrim and Ulster crowns this incoming year.
Dun Lathai abú.
Scorers -- Portumna: J Canning 1-8 (1-8f), C Ryan 1-1, A Smith, K Hayes 0-3 each, D Hayes 0-2, P Smith 0-1. Dunloy: P Shiels 0-4 (4f), K McKeague, S Dowds (2f) 0-2 each, G O'Kane, L Richmond, P Doherty, P Richmond 0-1 each.
Portumna -- I Canning; A O'Donnell, E McEntee, O Canning; G Heagney, M Ryan, P Smith; L Smith, E Lynch; A Smith, K Hayes, C Ryan; D Hayes, J Canning, M Dolphin.
Dunloy -- G McGhee; M McClements, J McKeague, Cathaoir Cunning; K McKeague, Conor Cunning, K Molloy; P Shivers, P Shiels; G O'Kane, L Richmond, Colum Cunning; P Doherty, P Richmond, S Dowds. Subs: A Elliott for Dowds (35), D Kelly for Doherty (45), M Molloy for Shivers (52).
Ref -- B Gavin (Offaly).
(Dominic Kearns)