ANTRIM
Corner-back Ryan McNulty emerged as the unlikely match-winner for St. John’s, firing over the decisive point deep into injury-time to seal a 2-15 to 0-20 Antrim SHC quarter-final victory over Rossa. Just minutes earlier, substitute Michael Bradley had struck a crucial goal to bring St. John’s level, setting up a thrilling finale in a game that Rossa had seemed poised to win as normal time ticked away.
The weekend’s other quarter-final proved far more one-sided, with Loughgiel powering past Ballycastle on a 1-20 to 0-11 scoreline. Holding a two-point advantage at the break, Loughgiel put the contest to bed early in the second half with a devastating burst of 1-5 in just five minutes, capped by a goal from Roan McGarry.
The semi-finals are now as follows:
- Ruairí Óg Cushendall v St Johns
- Loughgiel v Dunloy
ARMAGH
Clann Éireann had to battle hard to overcome Killeavy in the Armagh SFC quarter-finals. The holders looked in control with a 0-11 to 0-4 half-time lead, but Stevie McDonnell’s side rallied after the break. In the end, county star Conor Turbitt’s 12-point haul proved decisive.
Elsewhere, Crossmaglen Rangers advanced thanks to goals from Aaron O’Neill and Darron McDonnell in their 2-20 to 1-17 win over Carrickcruppen, while Madden finished strongly hitting six of the last seven scores to edge out Maghery 0-16 to 1-12.
Cullyhanna staged the comeback of the weekend, overturning a seven-point deficit against St. Peter’s. They rattled off seven points in a row to force extra-time, before two goals helped them pull clear for a 3-17 to 0-19 victory.
The semi-finals are now as follows:
- Cullyhanna v Crossmaglen
- Clann Éireann v Maghery
DERRY
Richie Mullan was the star for Kevin Lynches, hitting 1-7 in their 3-21 to 1-13 Derry SHC semi-final win over Ballinascreen. His superb goal proved the game’s turning point before Davy McCloskey’s men pulled away with a devastating 3-3 burst in the closing stages.
The victory sets up a county final clash with Sleacht Néill, who are chasing a 13th consecutive Derry hurling title. The reigning Ulster champions defeated Swatragh 1-22 to 1-11.
DONEGAL
Naomh Conaill pulled off a dramatic late raid to edge Termon 2-12 to 2-11 in Donegal SFC quarter-final. Trailing by three in injury-time, teenager Max Campbell struck for a vital goal before Finbarr Roarty snatched the winning point.
Four Masters also finished strongly, with Seanán and Turlough Carr leading the charge in a 0-20 to 0-10 victory over Dungloe. Gaoth Dobhair proved too strong for Kilcar, winning 0-16 to 1-10 despite a late Patrick McBrearty goal, with Michael Roarty sealing the result with a booming two-pointer.
In the remaining quarter-final, county star Michael Langan top-scored for St. Michael’s with 10 points in a 0-26 to 0-15 win over Sean Mac Cumhaill, aided by a fine five-point contribution from youngster Carlos O’Reilly.
The semi-finals are now as follows:
- St. Michaels v Gaoth Dobhair
- Naomh Conaill v Four Masters
DOWN
Kilcoo, chasing a seventh consecutive Down SFC title, had to battle hard to edge past Loughinisland 1-23 to 2-18 in the quarter-finals. The game swung in the second half with the introduction of Jerome Johnston and Aaron Branagan, whose composure and experience steadied the champions at both ends.
Clonduff booked their place in the last four with goals from Eamon Brown (2) and Conor Óg O’Hagan proving decisive in a 3-8 to 0-10 win. Carryduff were also comfortable win-ners, easing past Ballyholland 3-16 to 1-10. In the final quarter-final, Burren were comfortable 4-16 to 0-10 winners over Glenn. Odhran Murdock was in fine form for the victors with 0-4 from midfield, while Ryan Magill, Donal O’Hare and Liam Kerr all added goals.
The semi-finals are now as follows:
- Kilcoo v Clonduff
- Burren v Carryduff
FERMANAGH
Ederney and Derrygonnelly advanced directly to the Fermanagh SFC semi-finals after topping their groups. Derrygonnelly, already assured of progress, rounded off the group stage with a 0-14 to 0-9 win over Enniskillen, driven by a six-point contribution from Conall Rasdale.
Ederney secured first place in Group B with a resounding 4-20 to 2-05 victory over Kinawley, Sean Cassidy starring with a hat-trick.
The quarter-finals are now as follows:
- Belnaleck v Teemore
- Belleek v Lisnaskea
MONAGHAN
Castleblayney claimed their eighth Monaghan SHC crown in nine years with a 1-19 to 2-08 victory over Truagh. The champions raced into an early lead, hitting 10 points in the opening 20 minutes, though a Conor McKenna goal trimmed the gap to 0-11 to 1-6 at half-time. After the break, Castleblayney reasserted control, and Hugh Byrne’s late goal sealed the win in style.
By Michael Devlin Mon 22nd Sep
