Total crowds of almost 8,000 people flocked to venues across the county over a weekend which saw championship titles decided, final places secured, and others who have to ‘do it all again’.
Fr McNally Park in Banagher was the scene for the Intermediate Football Championship semi-finals on Saturday afternoon. A Kevin O’Connor goal two minutes into the second half proved vital for Foreglen as they held on to secure a county final place despite a late Kevin King effort for Slaughtmanus. They will have to wait Wednesday night, at least, before knowing their final opponents with Ballerin and Glen playing out a 2-08 to 1-11 draw – a final last gasp wonder point from Ciaran McFaul ensuring the replay at Owenbeg on Wednesday night (7.45pm).
Sean O’Leary’s Newbridge, BA Mullan and Son U16B football champions 2013
At Owenbeg in Saturday’s double header opener, Newbridge held off a late surge from a spirited Loup team to claim the U16B football title. The U16A title went to Watty Graham’s Glen for the third time in four years, with Mark Doole and Tiarnan Flanagan second half goals over-turning a two point half time deficit against a strong and well-organised Faughanvale team at a wind-swept Celtic Park.
Watty Graham’s Glen, BA Mullan and Son U16A football champions 2013
Despite a whirlwind start by Lavey in the opening 10 mins of the M&L Contracts SFC semi-final, in which they raced to a 0-04 to 0-00 lead against champions Ballinderry, a Conleith Gilligan goal steadied the Shamrocks ship as he went on to record a personal tally of 2-09, and secure comfortable passage to the 6th October final.
In the second semi-final, Benny Heron put Ballinascreen ahead twice in the final quarter, with score of the game from Barry McGoldrick, and a late Ciaran McGoldrick free earning Coleraine another bite at the cherry in Thursday’s replay at Owenbeg (7.45pm).
Sunday’s senior semi-final was preceded by one of the best underage games seen in recent years. The U14 footballers of Ballinascreen and Bellaghy served up gripping entertainment before a large crowd at Owenbeg in the latest of their trilogy of high profile meetings. Following a first half goal blitz Bellaghy seemed to have done enough. However, a superbly taken Ballinascreen goal on the stroke of half time gave the St Colm’s lads enough belief for a second half comeback which ending with both sides missing chances to win the game.
With a draw the fairest of fair results, the players were given a standing ovation by the large crowd as they left the pitch.
Finally, many congratulations to Ardmore who defied all odds to secure a deserved win at Celtic Park. Al McLaughlin and Eddie Bell goals in either half saw the St Mary’s men collect the Joe Brolly Cup as Derry Junior Football Champions 2013.
Maith sibh!
St Mary’s Ardmore, Oakleaf Furniture Derry Junior Football Champions 2013
No comments:
Post a Comment