Bold Loughinisland conquer Kingdom

Bold Loughinisland conquer Kingdom

7 October 2015

LOUGHINISLAND captured their first championship silverware since 1989 with a performance of the highest class at Pairc Esler on Sunday afternoon.

This was the Blues’ maiden intermediate title and it was one which they richly deserved.

They were the better side throughout. Their defending was top notch, they controlled midfield and they had the forwards to get the all important scores.

The Kingdom were limited in their play and this was mainly due to the fact that their game plan was severely restricted by a commanding Loughinisland effort.

Jerome Johnston’s side put their stamp on the game early on. Michael Brannigan and Dan Gordon were early score getters with Stefan Mason then putting over a free. On 15 minutes the superb Gordon made it 0-4 to 0-0.

Martin Clarke finally settled the Kingdom’s nerves with their first of the afternoon, but Rory Mason’s response was breathtaking as he sent over a fantastic shot from open play.

An Riocht weren’t closing down Gordon enough and he was soon on hand to hit the target once again. Rory Cunningham advanced forward from midfield to get himself a minor, but he really should have made it a three pointer.

Loughinisland were always eager to respond quickly and they did so through Conor Megoran. With half-time nearing, Declan Doyle passed up the Kingdom’s second goal chance.

At the other end of the pitch the Blues were a lot more ruthless. Aaron McClements confidently found John McCarthy who was clinical with his finish as his team took a 1-7 to 0-2 lead.

This busied An Riocht into a frenzied scoring patch. Noel McArdle burst on to the scene with 0-3, two of which came from play.

However, the sting was taken out of this mini-renaissance by Aaron McClements, who put the East Down men ahead 1-8 to 0-5 at the break.

On the restart the teams traded points. Then McCarthy struck gold for the second time.

He was part of a three-man unit who bore down on the Kingdom goal. Brendan McVeigh had no chance as Loughinisland opened up a ten-point lead that looked unassailable.

The game turned dire after this as the tempo ped completely.

Stefan Mason and Martin Clarke swapped scores to raise faint cheers, while the last notable mention in the contest went to Conor Megoran who glided in for a major in injury time. Twelve points was the difference at the long whistle.

There was no doubt about it. Loughinsland were worthy champions. Ulster awaits and no-one will want the journey to stop.

An Riocht: Brendan McVeigh, John O’Rourke, Deaglan O’Reilly, Michael Clarke, Paul Sherry, Conor Doyle, Liam McVeigh, Rory Cunningham (0-1), Sean Clarke, Declan Doyle, Deaglan Morgan, Conor Cole, Noel McArdle (0-3), 1f), Chris Killen (0-1, f), Martin Clarke (0-3, 1f). Subs: Paul Allen, Damian Sherry, Paul Murney, James Cunningham, Michael O’Rourke

Loughinisland: Kieran Gordan, Paul Digney, Paddy Megoran, Raymond Nixon, Matthew Doran, Johnny Flynn, Dean McLaughlin, Dan Gordan (0-3), Damhan O’Toole, Michael Brannigan (0-1), Rory Mason (0-2, 1f), Aaron McClements (0-1), John McCarthy (2-0), Conor Megoran (1-2), Stefan Mason (0-2, 2f). Subs: Paddy McKenny, Conor Killen, Seamus O’Hare, Ryan Stranney, Conor O’Toole, Dominic McClements.