2009 Ulster Scór Sinsear Finals

scor-sinsear-finals-2009.jpgThe 2009 Ulster Scor Sinsear Finals were held in Swatragh on Saturday 28th March.

There was a huge crowd in attendance and they were certainly not disappointed with the talent on show.

We wish all winners well as they move on to the All-Ireland Finals.

Full Results:

Rince Foirne / Ceili Dancing – Muineachan (Scairbh na gCaorach- Emyvale)
Maire Ni Chuuirc, Lorna Maitui, Vanessa Nic Aoidh, Riona Ni Chaomhanaigh, Peadar O Searraigh, Ronan O Siochan, Stiofan Mac Uidhir agus Gearoid Mac Gomhnaill

Amhranaiocht Aonair / Solo Singing – Ard Mhacha (Ropairi na Madain – Madden)
Caitriona Ni Gharmaile

Ceol Uirsle / Instrumental Music – Ard Mhacha (Drom an Ti – Dromintee)
Ciaran OMurchu, CaitrionamNi Mhurchu, Pol Mag Riabhaigh, Gearoid Mac Dhaibhead agus Leona Ni Sheachnasaigh.

Aithriseoireacht / Recitation – Ard Mhacha (Carraig Chroppin- Carrickruppen)
Niamh Ni Dhaimhin Niamh Devine

Bailead Ghrupa / Ballad Group – Tir Eoghain (Coill an Chlochair- Killyclogher)
Poilin ODalaigh Amanda ODonnaille, Aisling Ni Ceallaigh, Michael OCeallaigh, agus Aidin O Dalaigh.

Nuachleas / Novelty Act – Tir Eoghain (Coill an Chlochair- Killyclogher)
Eanna Mac Ruairidh Eamon McCriostail, Ciaran MacGiolla Ruaidh, Pronsais Mac Suibhne, seamus O Corragain, Sean MacCoileain.

Rince Seit / Set Dancing – Muineachan (Scairbh na gCaorach- Emyvale)
Maire Ni Chuirc, Lorna Maitiu Vanessa Nic Aoidh, Riona Ni Chaomhanaigh, Peadar OSearraigh, Ronan O Siochan, Stiofan Mac Uidhir agus Gearoid Mac Comhnaill.

Trath na gCeisteanna / Question Time – An Cabhan -(Corn a Feinne- Cornafean)
Michael Mac Duinnine Brian O Duill agus Tomas Mac Gibne.

Related:

- 2009 Ulster Scór Sinsear Finals Gallery

CDP – Hurling/Camogie Nursery Programme

Venue: La Salle Junior School, Glen Road, Belfast
Info: This is an indoor coach participation session and will look at drills, skills and games for players aged 4-8 years.
Tutor: Kevin Kelly

Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.

Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Kevin Kelly 07920528794.

CDP – Adopting Fun Games for Football

Venue: Silverbridge GAC, Armagh
Info: This outdoor observation session will look at a number of games to suit all ages up to the age of 12.
Tutor: Diarmaid Marsden

Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.

Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Tony Scullion 07795 120438.

CDP – Games to Develop Football

Venue: Greencastle GAC, Co Tyrone
Info: This outdoor observation session will look at games (conditioned and small sided) to improve players from the age of 14 to Senior.
Tutor: Tony Scullion

Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.

Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Tony Scullion 07795 120438.

CDP – Hurling/Camogie Nursery Programme

Venue: St Josephs Parish Centre Dunloy, Co Antrim
Info: This is an indoor coach participation session and will look at drills, skills and games for players aged 4-8 years.
Tutor: Kevin Kelly

Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.

Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Kevin Kelly 07920528794.

CDP – Adopting Fun Games for Hurling/Camogie

Venue: All Saints Ballymena GAC, Co Antrim
Info: This outdoor observation session will look at a number of games to suit all ages up to the age of 14.
Tutor: Kevin Hinphey (Derry Senior Hurling Captain)

Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.

Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Kevin Kelly 07920528794.

CDP – Hurling/Camogie Nursery Programme

Venue: Cavanacarragh Community Hall, Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh
Info: This is an indoor coach participation session and will look at drills, skills and games for players aged 4-8 years.
Tutor: Kevin Kelly

Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.

Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Kevin Kelly 07920528794.

Allianz NFL Round-Up

tyrone-derry-nfl-2009.jpgAllianz NFL Division 1:
Tyrone 0-14  Derry 0-11

The Red Hand again showed an extremely powerful finish that has served them so well throughout Mickey Harte’s reign. They looked likely to lose before scoring three quick points on the bounce to ensure a deserved three-point win.

Eoin Mulligan missed a penalty in the second half so with that in mind, Tyrone were worthy of the win.

Derry will take a good deal from the game, in particular Paddy Bradley’s six points. His first on two minutes with the outside of the foot was probably the best, but Seán Cavanagh restored parity two minutes later.

Davy Harte tapped over a beauty on six points, only for a Bradley free – after he was fouled – to make it two points apiece. Seán O’Neill and McGuigan [from a free] eased Tyrone 0-4 to 0-2 ahead.

Paddy Bradley was set up by brother Eoin on 17 minutes to reduce the margin, before a gorgeous point from the Glenullin man – his fourth – to level matters.

McGuigan tapped over another free that was cancelled out by James Kielt, only for Colm McCullough to get off the mark and restore Tyrone’s slender lead.

Hitherto, Eoin Mulligan had been rather quiet, yet his class was exhibited by a brilliant 32nd-minute point. McCullough’s second free left it 0-8 to 0-5 at the break.

Clearly, Derry were keen to begin the second half well: they notched four without any revenge from Tyrone. Enda Muldoon, on a rare attack, scored the first with calmness after an incisive Paddy Bradley pass across the field.

Captain Barry McGoldrick reduced the gap to one and Paddy Bradley would add yet another point after he was upended to level the scores.

Derry continued to dominate and Eoin Bradley, basking in the team’s new-found confidence, turned quickly to score from about 30 yards.

Davy Harte scored his second for Tyrone, with Paul Murphy’s score cancelled out by McGuigan’s third free.

McGuigan cleverly set up Mulligan, who could have gone for goal but curled over to level the scores. McGuigan was again instrumental in playing Cavanagh – who was without a marker – in on goal on 57 minutes.

Seán Leo McGoldrick took him down, got away without a yellow card, and Shane McGuckian advertised his goalkeeping credentials by saving a poor Mulligan penalty.

McGoldrick was then pulled down by Philip Jordan. Paddy Bradley notched his final point to ease Derry 0-11 to 0-10 ahead. They would not score again.

McGuigan added another free but Derry ought to have gone ahead through substitute Eoghan Brown; however, he inexplicably missed from close range after Derry were awarded a very soft free.

Kevin McCloy fouled McGuigan and he was coolness embodied to put the Red Hand a point ahead – and that is when their class and fitness showed against a Derry team still only training once weekly.

Cavanagh, who was overall not at his best, pointed brilliantly with his right foot, as did Kevin Hughes to remove all doubt about the outcome.

Allianz NFL Division 1:
Westmeath 1-7  Donegal 0-15

Westmeath relinquished their Division One status with a tame defeat to Donegal in a poor game at Cusack Park on Sunday. The Lake County have endured a dire league campaign, losing all their matches so far, and even though they got close to Donegal on a few occasions, they were well outplayed throughout.

Conditions were bad early on, with rain and wind helping to create a patchy game low on quality. A Denis Glennon free put Westmeath in front but it was equalised by a fine effort from the outstanding Christy Toye. It was all Donegal for the rest of the half. Brendan Boyle and Ryan Bradley knocked over two points apiece and although Michael Ennis ended a lengthy scoreless run from Westmeath, Donegal led 0-6 to 0-2 after 27 minutes.

Yet there was drama before the end of the half with a Westmeath goal against the run of play drastically changing things. A long ball into the square from a Glennon free was won by Niall Kilcoyne who finished brilliantly to level things up. David Walsh managed to point for Donegal in first-half injury-time to leave the visitors 0-7 to 1-3 in front at the break.

A Michael Doherty point after the restart extended Donegal’s lead but two quick points from Dermot Bannon and Doran Harte restored parity. Westmeath didn’t deserve to be still in the game such had been the weakness of their efforts but they almost took the lead when Glennon wasted a glorious goal chance shortly after Harte’s equaliser.

Donegal took advantage of the miss to press forward. A quick brace from Toye, followed by Bradley’s third point of the day put them three clear again. Glennon reduced the gap to two again but late points from Stephen Griffin and Brian Roper secured the points for Donegal and called time on Westmeath’s sorry league season.

Allianz NFL Division 2:
Monaghan 2-13  Cork 1-9

There was a slight delay to the Monaghan-Cork game at St Mary’s Park in Scotstown, Paul O’Flynn of Cork getting the first score after 30 seconds once it finally did get underway.

Monaghan’s response in wet conditions was impressive though as Stephen Gollogly levelled matters and Tommy Freeman then put them in front after great set-up play from Gary McQuaid. With the Farney County looking to gain some momentum Paul Finlay then shot wide, allowing Cork to level again after a patient passing move ended with Nicholas Murphy splitting the posts.

The sides were level for the third time after a Donncha O’Connor free was responded to by a fine off-balance point from Monaghan’s Darren Hughes. O’Connor quickly pointed again before Freeman gave his side a huge lift with a blistering goal. McQuaid was the man who again set up the score, feeding the superb Freeman, who lashed the ball right-footed to the Rebels’ net.

That kick-started a purple patch for the home side as Finlay took over scoring matters with a quickfire treble, however, poor marking at the back for the Ulster side then saw Daniel Goulding in acres of space to collect a Paul Kerrigan pass. The Eire Og forward expertly found the net, but his side trailed by 1-8 to 1-4 at the break and had seen midfielder Alan O’Connor yellow-carded.

Rory Woods lobbed over the first point of the second half for Seamus McEneaney’s charges, before a super point from Cork’s Kerrigan. John Hayes then reduced the deficit to three before a lovely score from Farney sub Paul McGuigan, collecting a Freeman pass and ignoring all challengers to kick between the posts.

Finlay and Goulding then traded two frees apiece before Monaghan’s Dick Clerkin became the second player to be shown a yellow card. However, his absence was made up for when his side got the day’s crucial score with their second goal. Alan Quirke did well to deny a belted effort from Freeman, but his parry fell for Raymond Ronaghan, who found the roof of the net from close range, making it 2-12 to 1-8.

Finlay and James Masters traded late scores, but seven points remained the difference at the finish, not even the introduction of Aisake Ó hAilpín late on preventing them from that first defeat of the campaign.

Allianz NFL Division 2:
Fermanagh 1-08  Kildare 0-16

Kildare edged ever closer to promotion to Division One with a dogged victory over Fermanagh at Brewster Park on Sunday.  Kildare were always in front, and although Fermanagh never strayed too far from being in the game, getting back into it with Pat Cadden’s second-half goal, there was an impressive inevitability to Kildare’s supremacy which condemns Fermanagh to relegation from Division Two.

In damp, windy conditions, Kildare took an early two point lead with efforts from Eamon Callaghan and Robert Kelly. Aidan McGuire and Kieran McIlroy got the Ulstermen’s first scores but the irrepressible Johnny Doyle kept the Lilywhites in charge with a sweet brace. That was all the scoring for what was a truly awful first half with Kildare ahead 0-4 to 0-3 at the break.

The weather and the standard rose after the restart but Kildare remained in front, moving three clear with points from Ken Donnelly, Doyle and Callaghan. Fermanagh though, pulled themselves into contention with Cadden’s goal but it had been preceded by a flurry of scores from Kildare, who stayed strong to the finish to hold out for a five-point win, helped by a couple of late efforts from Donnelly.

Allianz NFL Division 2:
Armagh 1-13  Meath 0-13

A goal from full-back Finian Moriarty in the first half proved crucial for Armagh as they defeated Meath in Crossmaglen on Sunday.

The result keeps the Orchard County’s hopes of promotion from Division Two intact and they now lie just one point behind the Division’s top three teams Kildare, Cork and Monaghan.  The game was tight throughout, with the first half extremely close as both sides cancelled each other out. Steven McDonnell scored two early points for Armagh but scores from Cian Ward, Stephen Bray and Nigel Crawford gave Meath an early 0-3 to 0-2 lead.

The decisive score of the half came when Moriarty, who had been injured early in the game, produced a magnificent finish to finish a sweeping Armagh move with a goal. Ward kept Meath in it with his excellence from frees and open play but Armagh, bolstered by the return of an increasing number of Crossmaglen players including Stephen and Aaron Kernan, led 1-5 to 0-7 at half-time.

The second-half remained close but Armagh always managed to preserve a decent buffer and late points from Martin O’Rourke and Ryan Henderson sealed the win. Ward hit seven points in total for Meath while McDonnell and Aaron Kernan had four apiece for the victors.

Allianz NFL Division 3:
Cavan 0-14  Roscommon 0-06

Cavan kept their promotion hopes alive with a convincing 0-14 to 0-6 win over rivals Roscommon at Kingspan Breffni Park.

Seanie Johnston was the main man for Cavan, kicking seven points [0-5f] in a fine display, while midfielder Ciaran Galligan kicked two points from play.

Roscommon were disappointing in the opening stages and amassed an alarming number of wides from placed ball. They played with the wind at their backs and still found themselves 0-6 to 0-5 down at the interval.

Cavan powered ahead after the break and points from youngster Eugene Keating and substitute Martin Reilly.

Seamus O’Neill and Donal Shine, the Roscommon midfielders were both taken off such was Cavan’s dominance in that area, while their case was not helped by the sending off of John Dunning for a head-butting incident late on.

However, Cavan were completely dominant on the day and will hope that two points against their promotion rivals will help them to join Tipperary in Allianz NFL Divison Two.

Allianz NFL Division 3:
Down 2-15  Offaly 1-07

Down go top of Division Three – at least overnight – after a one-sided 2-15 to 1-7 rout against Offaly at Páirc Esler.

The Mourne Men led by 1-7 to 1-3 at the break, Niall McNamee’s major keeping The Faithful in the match. Stephen Kearney scored the Down goal, though it could have been more: Alan Mulhall saved a penalty from Down’s Aidan Carr.

With Kearney and Ambrose Rogers very influential, the home side pulled away in the latter half, Ronan Murtagh adding another green flag.

Allianz NFL Division 4:
Antrim 1-11  Sligo 0-09

Antrim gave their promotion hopes a massive boost by recording a 1-11 to 0-9 decision over chief Division Four rivals Sligo at Casement Park.

Sligo finished very strongly but met a stern resistance from The Saffrons’ rear-guard and overall this was an impressive display from Antrim, who led at half-time by 1-6 to 0-5.

Paddy Cunningham scored 1-2, while Mark Dougan, Tomás McCann, Niall McKeever and Michael McCann notched a brace each.

Tony Scullion also scored a point for Antrim, who have not lost a game yet in the league.

Allianz NHL Round-Up

antrim-kerry-nhl-2009.jpgAllianz NHL Division 2:
Antrim 3-19 Kerry 4-14

Antrim recovered from their disappointing defeat to Carlow last week with a narrow 3-19 to 4-14 win over Kerry at Casement Park on Sunday.

Karl Stewart was in exceptional form for the Saffrons, scoring eight points [0-3f] in a superb display, while Brendan Herron with chipped in with four points.

First half goals from Ciaran Kelly and Neil McManus put Antrim had Antrim in control, but they managed to hit nine wides in the first 35 minutes alone and allowed Kerry back into the game, and led by three points [2-10 to 2-7] at the break.

Shane Brick gave another exceptional display for Kerry, but a goal from substitute Joe Scullion proved to be the difference between the two sides in the end.

(Picture: antrim.gaa.ie)

Allianz NHL Division 2:
Down 0-12 Wexford 2-19

Wexford remain on the tails of Division Two leaders Offaly ahead of next weekend’s showdown after easily accounting for relegation threatened Down at Ballygalet on Sunday.

The Models played with the breeze at their backs in the first half and racked up a 1-12 to 0-2 lead at the break, with Stephen Banville scoring their goal after 28 minutes.

Wexford went further ahead when Andrew Shore grabbed his side’s second goal after 44 minutes. Down had Andy Savage yellow carded and only made minor inroads into Wexford’s lead.

Allianz NHL Division 3A:
Armagh 3-11  Meath 2-17

Meath will take on Kildare in the NHL Division 3A final after both recorded wins on Sunday. Meath won a thrilling contest with Armagh 2-17 to 3-11 in Crossmaglen. Meath had been backed by a powerful breeze in the first half and they led 2-10 to 2-3 at the break. Armagh battled admirably in the second half though, as they outscored their opponents, just coming up short by three points in the end.

Allianz NHL Division 3A:
Derry 3-18  Wicklow 1-06

Derry were always too good for Wicklow as they slaughtered them at Slaughtneil 3-18 to 1-6. Derry had been ten points up at the break and they added plenty more in the second half to secure an 18-point triumph.

Allianz NHL Division 3B:
Tyrone 1-10  Roscommon 3-18

Roscommon overcame an early deficit to move onto six points as they defeated Tyrone 3-18 to 1-10 in Omagh.

Seamus McLoughney netted an early goal for the Ulster side, but the Rossies hit back to lead 2-7 to 1-7 at the break and raced away in the second half. Tyrone remain on two points with only Longford below them.

Allianz NHL Division 3B:
Louth 1-18  Donegal 0-07

The other game in the division saw Louth move level with Donegal on four points, the Wee County always in charge on their way to a 1-18 to 0-7 victory in Omagh. They had been 0-12 to 0-5 clear at the interval.

Allianz NHL Division 4:
Monaghan 1-10  South Down 1-9

Monaghan strengthened their lead in Division Four with a one-point decision over a plucky South Down side in Inniskeen.

Allianz NHL Division 4:
Cavan 1-7  Sligo 2-15

Cavan’s moderate form continued in Ballyconnell, where they were blitzed 2-15 to 1-7 by Sligo, who remain a point behind Monaghan.

Allianz NHL Division 4:
Leitrim 0-15  Fermanagh 1-11

Fermanagh have lost ground after a dramatic 0-15 to 1-11 reverse against Leitrim in Carrick-on-Shannon.

Nally Heritage Centre Opened

nally-centre-opened.jpgSunday 22nd  March proved to be a momentous day for the An Chárraig Mhor football club as it saw the culmination of over 5 years work with the completion of the Nally stand project at Pairc Colmcille. An Uachtarán Cumann Luthchleas Gael, Nickey Brennan was in attendance to officially open the ‘Nally Heritage Centre’ in the complex and was joined on the day by An Chárraig Mhór Chairman Mick Daly, An Chárraig Mhór President Peter Mc Callan, Pat Darcy Tyrone County Chairman and Tom Daly Chairman of the Ulster Council. A large crowd of dedicated members and supporters of An Chárraig Mhór listened to Mick Daly as he welcomed all the distinguished guests and expressed his delight at the opening of the heritage centre in the club grounds after a lot of hard work and commitment from club volunteers. He thanked the ‘steering committee’ of the heritage centre for working so closely with the club to allow this day to be reached.

Chairman of the ‘Heritage Centre Steering Committee’ Larry Sheeran commended all those involved in the project for their hard work and commitment to the vision of establishing a centre of knowledge within the Nally Stand. He expressed his gratitude to those who were involved in the construction of the facility and to those who were responsible for producing the exhibits now on show. Larry thanked the Lottery Heritage Group for their financial assistance. Speaking on their behalf, Angela Lavin thanked the club for their invitation and commented on the state of the art facilities available in the Heritage Centre. Going on to congratulate the organising committee on creating a facility that was second to none she expressed her pleasure that the heritage fund was able to provide financial assistance to make this dream a reality.

Finally, fear a tí, Cormac Mc Aleer, invited special guest Nickey Brennan to speak. An Uachtarán, expressed his delight in being asked to attend and spoke of the special place that the Nally Stand had in his heart having sat in it with his father at his first All Ireland Final. Later he went on to play in front of it many times and now he stated that he finds himself once again drawn back to the Nally Stand in most unusual circumstances. He went on to pay tribute to P.W. Nally expressing the sentiments of many when he said that he was as significant as Cusack and Davin in the founding of the GAA. The President then pointed to the significance of the club within the organisation. It was the grass routes, he said, that are the life blood of the GAA and nowhere more so than in places like Carrickmore who have been at the forefront in providing an environment for the growth and development of our games and culture.

The ‘Nally Heritage Centre’, he said, was yet another example of the foresight and ambition of An Chárraig Mhor football club. ‘Working closely with the Termonmaguirc Historical Society they have managed to create what is an exceptional centre for the preservation of local and national history’. He encouraged the young people in attendance to use the facility and to become involved in the work it is doing and stated that it is the responsibility of each generation to hand the organisation on to the next ‘in at least as good a shape as they were handed it’. He concluded thanking everyone for the welcome he received and spoke of the enjoyment he has had during is term meeting club volunteers the length and breadth of the country. It is they, he said, who have kept the GAA alive and he praised them for the immense pride they have in their local areas. As long as we have these people in every club, he said, the GAA is in safe hands.

At this point, everyone reassembled outside where the president unveiled a plaque to mark the opening of the facility. The heritage centre was then open to the public for the first time and large crowds moved through it well into the late hours.

CDP – Games to Develop Football

Venue: Cloughan Centre of Excellence, Monaghan
Info: This outdoor observation session will look at games (conditioned and small sided) to improve players from the age of 14 to Senior.
Tutor: Tony Scullion

Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.

Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Tony Scullion 07795 120438.

CDP – Hurling/Camogie Nursery Programme

Venue: Carndonagh GAC, Donegal
Info: This is an indoor coach participation session and will look at drills, skills and games for players aged 4-8years.
Tutor: Kevin Kelly

Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.

Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Kevin Kelly 07920528794.

CDP – Adopting Fun Games for Football

Venue: Greencastle GAC, Co Tyrone
Info: This outdoor observation session will look at a number of games to suit all ages up to the age of 12.
Tutor: Paul Callaghan

Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.

Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Tony Scullion 07795120438.

Allianz NFL Round-Up

derry-galway-nfl2009.jpgAllianz NFL Division 1:
Derry 0-13 Galway 2-7

A late Enda Muldoon point rescued a draw for Derry in an absorbing encounter with Galway in Maghera on Sunday. Galway had been in charge for the entire second-half but a late rally from Derry brought them back into things although the outstanding Michael Meehan looked like he had won it for the Tribesmen until Muldoon’s salvo. 

Derry began well and were 0-3 to 0-0 ahead after a few minutes, the excellent Paddy Bradley grabbing a superb opener along with an early free and centre-half back Barry McGoldrick also putting an impressive placed ball over from distance.  Derry had the breeze with them in the first half on a bright, brisk day but Galway never let them get too far in front, with Meehan in sparkling form. The Caltra man, who has been excellent for the entire league campaign to date, got four of their first five points to leave Derry just one point in front, 0-6 to 0-5 after 25 minutes.

Just before the break, Galway took the lead with a superbly worked goal involving Meehan and Padraic Joyce which Paul Conroy finished well. Paddy Bradley levelled the game with a free on the stroke of half-time to leave it 1-5 to 0-8 as the two sides went in.

Paul Young and Conroy exchanged points in a scrappy opening to the second period as little separated the sides. However, Galway looked like they would kick on to victory when Meehan smashed a penalty to the net after Sean Armstrong was bundled over. That made it 2-6 to 0-9 but Derry battled back thanks to points from Muldoon and Paddy Bradley, whose brilliance was only rivalled by Meehan’s on the day.

Meehan’s late point looked like it would maintain Galway’s perfect record in the league but Muldoon’s controlled effort had the final say.

Allianz NFL Division 1:
Donegal 0-11 Tyrone 0-8

Five pointed frees from Stephen Griffin proved all-important as John Joe Doherty’s side registered their first win of the campaign to move onto three points – just one behind the All-Ireland champions, who are now threatened by relegation themselves.

Tyrone were surprisingly lack-lustre and went an astonishing 37 minutes without scoring, managing just one point in the second half.

Two Sean Cavanagh frees gave Mickey Harte’s men the early advantage, but these were cancelled out by two superb long-range efforts by Donegal wing back Michael Maguire. Griffin converted three frees in a closely contested first half that saw the sides level five times.

David Walsh became the first Donegal attacker to score from play in the 25th minute, as they came from 0-4 to 0-6 down to level the scoring at 0-7 apiece at half-time.

The home side continued to enjoy the lion’s share of possession in the second half and took the lead for the first time in the 42nd minute through the evergreen Roper. Two more Griffin frees established a three-point lead before an out-of-sorts Tyrone were given hope when substitute Brian McGuigan ended their long scoring drought.

But despite having plenty of chances in the closing stages, there was to be no snatch-and-grab victory for the Red Hands on this occasion as Donegal held on for a crucial win.

Donegal: P Durcan, J Gallagher, N McGee, P McDaid, C Byrne, B Monaghan, M Maguire (0-2), B Boyle, C Toye (0-1), D Walsh (0-1), B Roper (0-1), R Kavanagh, C Dunne, S Griffin (0-5, 5f), M Doherty (0-1, f).
Subs: E Waide for Maguire (yellow card, 48), M Murphy for Griffin (56), R Sweeney for Monaghan (65), R Bradley for Boyle (68), O Doherty for Dunne (69)

Tyrone: J Devine, PJ Quinn, C Gormley, C Gourley, D Harte, S O’Neill, P Jordan, K Hughes, C Holmes, C Cavanagh, O Mulligan (0-1), T McGuigan, C McCullagh (0-2, 1f), S Cavanagh (0-3, 2f), R Mellon (0-1).
Subs: B McGuigan (0-1) for Mellon (50), E McGinley for Holmes (54), M Swift for Quinn (55), M Penrose for McCullagh (59), N Gormley for T McGuigan (66), C McCarron for C Gormley (72).

(Report: hoganstand.com)

Allianz NFL Division 2:
Kildare 1-10 Armagh 1-12

Mikey Conway missed a penalty late on for Kildare as they lost to Armagh in Newbridge by two points.

In an extremely tight game in which neither side ever got too far in front, a penalty from Aidan O’Rourke and a fine individual showing from Ronan Clarke was vital for Armagh as they clung on for victory over a side coached by one of greatest ever players.

Armagh took an early 0-3 to 0-2 lead with Clarke trading scores with Johnny Doyle and Conway before Aaron Kernan’s free gave the Orchard County the lead. However, Kildare showed the kind of energetic hustle that has seen them rise to the top of Division Two with a stirring effort for the remainder of the half.

Padraig O’Neill sent over a magical long-distance point before Aidan Callanan’s goal put the Lilywhites in charge at the break. Steven McDonnell’s point at the end of the half made it 1-7 to 0-8 but Kildare were looking good.

However, when a penalty was awarded to Armagh after Martin O’Rourke was felled somewhat innocuously, Martin O’Rourke tucked it away confidently to put Armagh one point ahead.

From there, Armagh took charge. Kevin O’Rourke and Doyle exchanged points before Ronan Clarke took his fourth point and Aaron Kernan pointed his third free.

Conway’s penalty would have changed everything but Phillip McEvoy saved it and when the rebound was cleared away, the points were Armagh’s.

Allianz NFL Division 2:
Meath 0-12 Monaghan 0-12

Monaghan remain in the promotion hunt from Division 2 of the NFL after Paul Finlay’s late pointed free earned them a share of the spoils against Meath at Pairc Tailteann last night.

The Royals looked set to chalk up their third win on the trot when they led by 0-12 to 0-10 with five minutes remaining, but faded in the closing stages as late points from corner back Dessie Mone and Finlay snatched a draw for the visitors.

The game was slow to come to life with the first score not arriving until the 12th minute. But after that, the scores began to flow and the sides went into half-time level on 0-7 each.

Eamonn O’Brien’s charges grabbed the initiative after the restart and were rewarded with points from Cian Ward, Seamus Kenny and Stephen Bray. But Monaghan refused to wilt and grabbed what could yet prove to be a precious league point.

Scorers – Meath: C Ward 0-6 (4f), S Bray 0-3, C King 0-2, S Kenny 0-1. Monaghan: P Finlay 0-6 (3f), M Downey 0-2, T Freeman, D Clerkin, C Hanratty, D Mone 0-1 each.

Meath: P O’Rourke; C O’Connor, A Moyles, E Harrington; S Kenny, K Reilly, D Flood; M Ward, N Crawford; S McAnarney, C Ward, B Meade; S Bray, C King, R Maguire. Subs: N McKeigue for Harrington (55 yc), B Regan for Meade (58), P Byrne for Kenny (63 yc), D Sheridan for M Ward (69).

Monaghan: S Duffy; D Mone, JP Mone, V Corey; C McManus, G McQuaid, D Hughes; D Clerkin, O Lennon; S Gallogly, P Finlay, M Downey; R Woods, R Ronaghan, T Freeman. Subs: D Freeman for Ronaghan (ht), C Hanratty for McManus (48), D McArdle for JP Mone (50).

Referee: M Duffy (Sligo).

(Report: hoganstand.com)

Allianz NFL Division 2:
Laois 0-23 Fermanagh 1-14

Laois bounced back from last weekend’s mauling at the hands of Cork to post a very impressive score against fellow relegation strugglers Fermanagh at O’Moore Park last night.

Sean Dempsey’s under-pressure side answered their critics with a brilliant first half scoring display in which top-scorer Michael John Tierney, Ross Munnelly and Brian ‘Bruno’ McCormack all found the target. Daryl Keenan punched a Fermanagh goal after 20 minutes, but the home side responded by scoring nine unanswered points to go into the break 0-15 to 1-5 in front.

The O’Moore County continued to play their best football of the year so far after the restart and were particularly impressive in the final quarter as they pull away for a crucial win.

Scorers – Laois: MJ Tierney 0-9, R Munnelly 0-4, B McCormack, D Kingston, P Clancy 0-2 each, D Rooney, P McMahon, B Sheehan, P McNulty 0-1 each. Fermanagh: D Keenan 1-3, M Little, C McElroy 0-3 each, T McElroy, R Carson, E Ferris, D Kelly, R Keenan 0-1 each.

Laois: M Nolan; P Begley, C Ryan, R Stapleton; D Rooney, G Reddin, P McMahon; P Clancy, K Meaney; B McCormack, B Quigley, B Sheehan; MJ Tierney, R Munnelly, D Kingston. Subs: A Fennelly for McMahon (yc), P McNulty for McCormack, D Strong for Rooney.

Fermanagh: R Gallagher; S Goan, S Lyons, M Jones; P Sherry, S McDermott, P Johnson; M McGrath, J Sherry; D Keenan, T McElroy, S O’Brien; E Maguire, R Carson, E Ferris. Subs: M Little for Johnson, D Kelly for Gowan, N Bogue for Sherry, C McElroy forMcGrath (yc), R Keenan for S O’Brien.

Referee: M Condon (Waterford).

(Report: hoganstand.com)

Allianz NFL Division 3:
Limerick 2-9 Down 1-11

The margin of a solitary point was enough for Limerick to move off the foot of Division Three on Sunday as they defeated Down at The Gaelic Grounds.

Mickey Ned O’Sullivan’s charges had the better of the game for the majority, leading by five points at the break, but in the end they needed a late Stephen Kelly point to claim the win.

Hugh Davey opened the scoring for Down with Kelly equalising before Daniel Hughes made it 0-2 to 0-1 in favour of the Ulster side.

John Galvin fired a lovely goal to the Down net to give Limerick the lead and they were 1-5 to 0-3 ahead at the break, with Hughes scoring Down’s third score.

Joe Ireland missed a great chance for Down early in the second half, though John Fegan did grab a quick point to get them a little closer. Ballylanders hit-man Kieran O’Callaghan them rammed in Limerick’s second goal to give them a clear advantage, but Paul McComiskey notched a point and then raised a green flag of his own to keep the game alive.

There was just three in it at that stage and two when Benny Coulter – who did not start after a failed fitness test – added another point, but it was three again when Kelly pointed.

However, scores from  Hughes, Fegan and Aidan Carr had it level all of a sudden before Kelly’s late points impeded the Mourne men’s promotion hopes, which are beginning to fade.

Allianz NFL Division 3:
Offaly 1-16 Cavan 0-13 

John Reynolds’ goal midway through the second half proved crucial for Offaly as it propelled them to victory over Cavan in Division Three on Sunday. The teams had been level at 0-12 apiece just before that, with Offaly intercepting a miskicked Cavan lineball and scoring a point through Ciaran McManus just before Reynolds goaled after Niall McNamee’s clever assist. The Breffnimen never recovered from that collapse and Offaly went on to win by a comfortable six-point margin.  Offaly led 0-9 to 0-5 at half-time with McManus and full-forward Niall Darby in outstanding form. McManus got four points in total for Offaly, with Darby hitting over five points, four from play.

A major turning point just before the break was Sean Johnstone’s missed penalty for Cavan. The saved effort meant Offaly had a comfortable buffer at the break and despite Cavan’s resurgence in the second-half, their self-destruction with the surrendering of possession on the lineball determined their fate.

Allianz NFL Division 4:
Antrim 3-19 London 0-4

Shock winners over Waterford last weekend, London were brought crashing back down to earth with a bang in Casement Park last night when they were hammered by Division 4 table-toppers Antrim.

The Saffrons laid the foundations for their facile win in the opening half when they raced into a 0-11 to 0-2 lead, despite playing against the breeze. Team captain Paddy Cunningham was one of six first half scorers for the home side, with three of his four points coming from play. Galway native Chris Donnellan and Tyrone’s Chris Eastwood registered the Exiles’ only replies.

After midfielder Dara Edwards had increased Antrim’s lead, Cunningham fired home a penalty in the 42nd minute to make it 1-13 to 0-3. Michael Pollock and Colm Fleming added further majors in the 64th and 71st minutes, while London’s misery was compounded by the dismissals of Brian McBrearty and Conor Beirne on second yellow cards.

Scorers:
Antrim: P Cunningham 1-5 (pen, 2f), M Pollock 1-2, T McCann 0-3 (1 ’45), C Fleming 1-0, M Dougan 0-2, D O’Hagan, D Edwards, A Gallagher, J Loughrey, K Brady 0-1 each

London: C Eastwood, P Duffy, C Donnellan (1f), K Phair 0-1 each

(Report:  hoganstand.com)

Allianz NHL Round-Up

hurling-general.jpgAllianz NHL Division 2:
Offaly 2-21 Down 0-14

Offaly’s hurlers still have a one hundred percent record in Division Two of the NHL on Sunday as they pulled off a strong second half performance to sink Down in Ballycran.

The two sides were deadlocked at half-time as Offaly failed to get away from a hardworking Down side who were playing with the wind, the sides going in at the break on 0-10 apiece.

However, the second half was much more one-sided as with the wind and, with the class of Shane Dooley, they broke away from the men from Ulster.

Dooley notched two goals, one from a free as his side raced clear, leading 1-14 to 0-11 before the goal-getter raised his second green flag.

Brian Carroll and Joe Bergin also starred for the hosts, notching 0-5 and 0-3 apiece, while Daniel Currams’ 0-2 also showed signs of promise.

Allianz NHL Division 2:
Carlow 3-12 Antrim 1-15

Carlow dented Antrim’s Allianz NHL Division Two promotion hopes with an impressive 3-12 to 1-15 victory on Sunday afternoon.

The Saffrons finished with 13 men, having had two players red carded in a fractious game.

After 23 minutes, Antrim had their full-back yellow carded and their goalkeeper sent off after Carlow scored the opening goal of the game.

A long ball was delivered into the square and Robbie Foley helped the ball on before Craig Doyle applied the finishing touch.

On the stroke of half-time Foley scored himself with a first time shot to give the Barrowsiders a 2-7 to 0-5 lead.

Antrim did mount a comeback and by the 52 minutes cut the lead to a single point, 2-8 to 0-13.

However, they then lost their second player to a red card and were down to 13 men, before a Damien Roberts goal sealed the issue and gave Carlow their first win over Antrim since 1982.

Allianz NHL Division 3A:
Kildare 3-15  Derry 1-17

A hat-trick of goals from Adrian McAndrew helped Andy Comerford’s Kildare to a 3-15 to 1-17 victory over Derry. David Harney also hit 0-6 for the winners, while Derry’s accurate free-taker Michael Kirkpatrick certainly didn’t deserve to finish on the losing side after scoring 0-13, 0-11 from placed balls.

Allianz NHL Division 3A:
Mayo 0-12  Armagh 0-07

Mayo eased their relegation worries in the same division with a 0-12 to 0-7 win over Armagh at Crossmolina. Shane Broderick, Adrian Freeman and Derek McConn scored 0-10 between them, while Paul McCormack was the Orchard County’s top-scorer with 0-3.

Allianz NHL Division 3B:
Donegal 3-19  Tyrone 0-09

Meanwhile, in Division 3B, Doengal powered to a 3-19 to 0-9 victory over Tyrone. Ciaran Mathewson scored their first goal after 47 minutes to establish a nine-point lead, and Lee Henderson added further majors in the 61st and 64th minutes to seal an emphatic win.

Allianz NHL Division 4:
Fermanagh 3-08 Monaghan 2-15

Fermanagh were shocked by Monaghan at home in Division Four of the Allianz NHL on Sunday.  Fermanagh went into the clash at the top of the table but Monaghan began well and were 0-9 to 1-3 up at the break.

The second-half was a higher scoring affair but Monaghan showed steel and resolve to grind out a four-point win.

Allianz NHL Division 4:
Leitrim 0-15 Cavan 0-12

Leitrim showed their class in Carrick-on-Shannon as they pulled away towards the end of the game to beat Cavan on Sunday.

The sides were level at 0-9 apiece at half-time but Leitrim outscored their neighbours by three points in the second half to move off the bottom of the table.

Allianz NHL Division 4:
South Down 2-10 Sligo 1-13

South Down battled back from being behind for much of the game to record a draw against Sligo on Sunday.

Sligo led 1-6 to 1-4 at the break but South Down regrouped and the point sees them leapfrog Cavan in the table.