RGU’s win maintains early form in league

RGU’s win maintains early form in league

14 May 2025

DOWNPATRICK RGU continued their good run of performances with an excellent win over Ballyholland at Pairc Tomas Ruseil on Friday night. 

A slow start saw the Hoops trailing by seven points mid-way through the first period, with numerous turnovers and unforced errors giving Ballyholland chances they did not waste. 

While a penalty goal, followed by a quick second, put Downpatrick in trouble, they eventually began to turn up.

Oran Cunningham’s driving run and terrific goal narrowed the gap and points from Ruairi 

Quinn and Lewis Greene allowed RGU to level the score by half-time.

The second half presented similar challenges, with repeated errors allowing Ballyholland to stretch out to a four-point lead. However, RGU’s dominance over the next 20 minutes was well rewarded. 

John Shields worked hard to force turnovers, Matty Hardy influenced the middle of the pitch and strong defensive performances from Ronan Murphy and Gerdie Collins limited Ballyholland’s options, while goalkeeper James Deeny dealt well with any goal chances. 

A long-range effort from Cunningham ped short, but the keeper failed to deal with it, resulting in a third Downpatrick  goal. 

Anthony Doherty’s two-pointer fired the Hoops into a three-point lead, making victory look promising, but ill-discipline and a sloppy goal allowed Ballyholland level the scores late on. 

A frantic final few minutes ensued, with points exchanged at both ends, before RGU held on to the ball to secure a deserved one-point win.

Downpatrick RGU 3-14

Ballyholland 4-10

O’NEILLS ACFL DIVISION 1