Shock in Leonard Cup semi

Danske Bank Leonard Cup semi-final

Gaelcholáiste Dhoire 3-12 Cross & Passion, Ballycastle 2-7

THERE was a shock in yesterday’s Leonard Cup semi-final at the university grounds in Coleraine.

Gaelcholáiste Dhoire led Cross & Passion from the 10th minute through to the finish to reach their first-ever top-flight hurling decider.

An early goal from Aodhán Ó Ceallaigh settled the Dungiven side, but CPC hit back with a point from Páidí O’Kane and then a goal from Ronan Elliott.

However, the rest of the half belonged to the gaelscoil and they turned around at the break with a lead of 3-8 to 1-3.

Their second goal came in the 14th minute from MJ Mac Oscair and Kian Ó Ceallaigh grabbed a third to give them a cushion for the second half.

Although Fionn Ó Conaire pointed on the re-start, Charlie McAuley goaled soon after for Ballycastle. It failed to ignite a comeback, though, with the Gaelcholaiste defence tightening up again and there were few clear-cut goal chances for the rest of the half.

Harry Ó Cearnaigh pointed twice in the final quarter to set up the final against either their neighbours St Patrick’s, Maghera or St Mary’s CBGS, Belfast. They face off on Thursday.

Scorers
Gaelcholáiste H Ó Cearnaigh 0-5; MJ Mac Oscair & K Ó Ceallaigh 1-1 each; A Ó Ceallaigh 1-0; P Ó Ceallaigh & F Ó Conaire 0-2 each; SP Ó Ceallaigh 0-1

Cross & Passion P O’Kane 0-5; C McAuley 1-1; R Elliott 1-0; C McCloskey 0-1

By Séamas McAleenan Published In The Irish news November 15, 2024