Kennedy leads Drumaness into Ulster last four

Kennedy leads Drumaness into Ulster last four

5 November 2014

DRUMANESS did enough to secure a last four berth, despite not playing anywhere near their best in a gritty encounter at Páirc Esler.

The St. Colman’s outfit were generally always in command, but they never really hit top gear, which would have seen them win by a lot more than seven points.

A couple of early scores from top marksman Donal Kennedy had Drumaness ahead in the early stages.

Karl McCavanagh replied for the Antrim side before a fisted effort from Neil McAleenan restored Drumaness’s two point advantage.

The game then entered a scrappy phase for the next quarter of an hour as neither side threatened the scoreboard.

With half-time approaching Stephen Carson converted a 45 for St. Malachy’s, but a late Gary Murdock free left Drumaness 0-4 to 0-2 clear at the break.

Within five minutes of the restart Gary Murdock and Donal Kennedy had their side four up.

St. Malachy’s suffered a blow in the 38th minute when Michael Mitchell saw red. An unlucky own goal from Gary Murdock brought the Antrim side back into the equation, but Drumaness took the bull by the horns in the last 15 minutes as they sailed to victory.

A clinker top corner effort from midfielder Paul Gilchrist sealed the deal with another double from Donal Kennedy and one each from Ryan Connolly and Conor Murdock adding to the success.

St. Malachy’s scored a late consolation goal, but it proved scant consolation for a side that did have enough quality on the day.

Once again, Gary Murdock and Donal Kennedy kept the scoreboard ticking over for Drumaness, who had strong performances from Brian McGivern and Michael Rainey in defence and Paul Gilchrist in midfield.

The return to action of Brian McIlmurray, Neil Stranney and Philip Cassidy for the semi-final against Tyrone’s Rock will be a major boost for Colum Flynn’s side.

Drumaness 1-11

St. Malachy’s Antrim 1-4

ULSTER CLUB JFC