St Killian’s and St Joseph’s reach Mallon Cup final

Danske Bank Mallon Cup semi-finals
St Killian’s Garron Tower 2-8 Lumen Christi Derry 2-7
St Joseph’s Newry 7-7 De La Salle Downpatrick 4-7
There was a marked contrast in yesterday’s Danske Bank Mallon Cup semi-finals, but the final will be a repeat of a first round league game between St Killian’s Garron Tower and St Joseph’s Newry.
The St Killian’s v Lumen Christi game went right to the wire in Glen, Maghera before Peadar McDonnell kicked the winning point in the second minute of injury time. Indeed Lumen Christi might well feel aggrieved as the referee called a halt when they were in attack and close to a scoring situation.
However although the Derry school led by 2-3 to 1-2 at the break, it was St Killian’s who dominated second half possession and should have been further in front but for the stiff resistance from Flionn McLoughlin and Eoin Canavan for Lumen Chrisit
Lumen had the better start with 1-1 from Ronan Donnelly, but a wonder goal from Cormac McKeown had the sides level at 1-2 each after 16 minutes.
Oisin Duffy crashed home a second Lumen Christi goal before the break and they were comfortable with the five points lead.
However Mark McSparron was a star for St Killian’s at half back in the second half with his twin Aidan bursting through for scores.
John V Morgan banged home a goal early in the second half and points from McKeown, McDonnell, Aidan McSparron and Eamon Ward drew the sides level at 2-7 each.
McDonnell then delivered the lead point, although Donnelly came close at the other end before the final whistle.
The other semi-final was a straight forward win for St Joseph’s Newry who were able to build up a 4-5 to 0-1 interval lead over De La Salle Downpatrick.
That meant that there was no way back for the East Down outfit, although they made a big charge in the second half with goals from Eoin Kelly (2), Daire McLaughlin and Tony McIlhone. However St Joseph’s were always able to keep them at arms’ length.
Darragh McCoy, Aaron Downey and Reece Harte – as well as all the scorers – impressed for the winners.
St Killian’s : Cormac McKeown 1-1, John V Morgan 1-0, Eamon Ward 0-2, Peadar McDonnell 0-2, Joseph McLaughlin 0-1, Brogan O’Connor 0-1, Aidan McSparron 0-1
Lumen Christi: Ronan Donnelly 1-2, Oisin Duffy 1-1, Paul Downey 0-1, Mark Closter 0-1, Fabian Flood 0-1, Donncha Roarty 0-1.
St Joseph’s : James McGuiness 2-1, Adam Travers 2-1, Danny SHiels 1-2, Ross Burns 1-1, Callum Bradley 1-0, Ethan Campbell 0-2
De la Salle : Eoin Kelly 2-1, Daire McLaughlin 1-2, Tony McIlhone 1-1, Gavin O’Shea 0-2,
Ryan Doran 0-1