THE Intermediate Hurling championship saw its penultimate game week with some huge results causing a massive stir ahead of the final games in two weeks' time with St Gall's, St Paul's, Cloney Gaels and Cloughmills all earning much needed wins in their clashes over the weekend.
Group One
St Brigid’s Cloughmills 3-15 Rasharkin 0-11
At Cloughmills
St Brigid’s Cloughmills kept their McKeever Hotels Intermediate Hurling Championship hopes alive with a convincing 3-15 to 0-11 victory over Rasharkin at Fr Leonard Park.
Cloughmills raced into a commanding lead with Eoin Dobbin scoring two early goals as the hosts dominated the opening exchanges. Mickey Devlin also played a major role, contributing consistently from frees and open play.
A third goal further extended Cloughmills’ advantage before half-time, leaving them 3-12 to 0-04 ahead.
Rasharkin improved significantly after the break, with James Higgins leading their response and scoring repeatedly.
However, the deficit was too large to overcome. Devlin added three more points in the second half, while Rasharkin finished with scores from Higgins, John Kelly, Conor McKillop and Oisin Doherty.
The victory keeps Cloughmills firmly in contention, with their likely decisive final group game against St Gall’s now looming.
St Gall's 1-15 Creggan Kickhams 1-14
At Milltown
St Gall’s moved to the brink of the Intermediate Championship knockouts with a dramatic one point victory over Creggan Kickhams at De La Salle Park.
The hosts made a strong start, opening up a five-point lead through Dubhaltach Mac Liam, Ethan Walsh and Mark Napier.
Creggan gradually fought back with Thomas McCann and Conor McCann keeping the visitors in contention. St Gall’s were rewarded for their pressure when veteran Sean Burke rose highest to turn home a Mac Liam delivery and give the hosts a crucial goal.
Creggan dominated much of the second half and steadily chipped away at the deficit. Kevin Rice eventually found the net, while McCann’s accurate free-taking kept the visitors within touching distance.
St Gall’s appeared to have surrendered their advantage when McCann converted a 65 in the dying seconds to level the game.
However, there was one final twist. From the resulting puck-out, Paddy Friel found Ethan Walsh, worked the ball to Mac Liam. The St Gall’s forward showed tremendous pace before firing over the winner, sparking wild celebrations.
Carey had the weekend off in the five-team group, leaving it all to play for in the final gameweek.
Group Two
Cushendun Emmets 4-14 Tír na nÓg Randalstown 1-12
At Whitehill
Cushendun Emmets maintained their perfect record in the Antrim Intermediate Hurling Championship with an impressive 11-point victory over Randalstown at Whitehill.
The Emmets controlled the opening half, moving 0-6 to 0-2 ahead before Loaf McNeill reacted quickest to a rebound and fired home their first goal.
Fiontan McQuillan then struck a second before half-time, leaving Cushendun 2-8 to 0-5 ahead. McQuillan added his second goal immediately after the restart to put the visitors firmly in control.
Randalstown responded through Eamon Óg McAllister, who fired into the bottom corner, while Sean Duffin continued to punish Cushendun from placed balls.
However, Paddy Morgan settled the contest with Cushendun’s fourth goal, stretching the lead to 4-10 to 1-7.
Duffin finished with an impressive ten points, but Randalstown could not mount a serious comeback.
Cushendun now face Glenarm in their final group game, knowing a win or draw will secure a semi-final place.
Con Magees Glenravel 2-11 St Paul’s 3-13
At Fr Maginn Park
Glenravel produced a spirited performance against St Paul’s at Fr Maginn Park but ultimately fell to a five-point defeat.
Despite heavy rain making conditions difficult, Con Magees settled well with Cormac McKeown and Conleth O’Loan providing early scores. McKeown was particularly influential from placed balls, while Rian Lennon and Caolan Lennon also contributed.
The key moment of the first half came in the 28th minute when McKeown confidently converted a penalty to give Con Magees a valuable goal. They went into the break holding a narrow advantage.
St Paul’s responded strongly after the interval, with Seaán Óg McLaren scoring two goals and Caolán Ó Duibhfhinn and Sean Munce also featuring on the scoresheet. O’Loan’s late goal reduced the gap to five points, but St Paul’s held firm to secure the win.
St Gall's and Creggan battled well with the hosts edging the tie
Cloney Gaels 3-18 Shane O'Neill's Glenarm 1-16
Cloney Gaels reignited their hopes of reaching the Intermediate Championship play-offs with an impressive 3-18 to 1-16 victory over Shane O’Neill’s Glenarm in Ahoghill.
Glenarm started brightly, with Niall Rodgers finishing a move from Darren Hamill to score an early goal.
The visitors settled into the game and looked capable of maintaining their unbeaten start, but Cloney Gaels gradually gained control.
James O’Connell, Patrick Graham and Colla McDonnell kept the scoreboard moving for the hosts, while Glenarm responded through Hamill, Aidan Scullion, Kieran O’Boyle and Dylan McLaughlin.
The sides were level at the break but Cloney Gaels took command after the restart.
Owen Neeson struck twice within three minutes before completing his hat-trick later in the half, with McDonnell and O’Connell also contributing important scores.
Glenarm battled to the end but could not close the gap.
The victory puts Cloney Gaels back in play-off contention, while Glenarm have already secured a play-off place.
