EIRE OGS.............................2-8
NAOMH COLUM CILLE..............2-7
By Geoff Gillis
CARRICKMORE retained their Tyrone Senior Hurling League crown, at rain lashed Derrylaughan on Saturday, but not without getting an almighty fright from Naomh Colum Cille.
Fresh from their Ulster conquering exploits, the Cille's took to the field for their first ever Tyrone Senior League Final appearance confident of ending a truly remarkable season on a winning note, but on the day their valiant efforts fell narrowly short of the mark.
Conditions weren't conducive to free flowing hurling, but the endeavour of both teams could not be questioned with Carrickmore goalkeeper Declan McCabe producing a stunning save to deny NCC a dramatic late match winning goal.
NCC will be disappointed at losing because they dominated for long periods, as their regular competitive action in Ulster showed against the inactive champions.
Aidan Taggart and Willie Lyons manned their defence with authority, while in midfield Joe O'Neill quelled the influence of playmaker Justin Kelly and, with Shea McKiver and Rory O'Neill foraging for possession the challengers looked capable of clinching another historic victory.
However, they were unable to turn their dominance into scores and as Carrickmore found their feet the experience and determination of SP Begley, Leigh Moore, Kelly, and Ciaran Slane brought them back into contention before Slane's late free found its way to the net to deny NCC the breakthrough they desperately crave, at senior level.
Conor Grogan gave Carrickmore a third minute lead, but it was soon evident that NCC's Ulster exploits would be a factor, as they were first to every breaking ball with their first touch and support play causing the Eire Og's problems. Their early pressure yielded a 7th minute goal, when Rory O'Neill pounced on a mistake from Ciaran Hughes to find the net, but while dominating proceedings NCC's shooting left a lot to be desired. Seamus O'Hagan extended their lead after good work from Taggart but with Begley and Michael Kelly battling gamely Carrickmore remained in contention.
O'Hagan sandwiched two Slane frees for a 1-2 to 0-3 score line after 18 minutes, but the Cille's had goalkeeper Paul Maguire to thank for denying Seamus McLoughney a goal as Carrickmore flexed their muscles.
O'Hagan pointed again, but as NCC's profligacy continued Carrickmore fought back in the closing stages of the half with late points from Slane and a sublime individual effort from Grogan reducing the gap 1-3 to 0-5, at the break.
inspirational score
Two Slane frees edged Carrickmore in front within four minutes of the restart, but just when they looked to be taking control McKiver lofted over an inspirational score from distance. With the conditions deteriorating both teams wasted glorious goal scoring chances with Grogan kicking wide of an open goal before successive Niall O'Neill frees sandwiched a Slane effort for a 1-6 to 0-8 lead.
The game burst to life on 50 minutes, when substitute Damian Maguire and McLoughney combined to send Justy Kelly through for a goal, but as they struggled to close the game out NCC responded in devastating fashion four minutes later. Lyons and McKiver featured prominently before Paul O'Neill flicked the sliotar to Rory O'Neill who pulled first time to the net for a 2-6 to 1-8 lead.
Boosted by that score NCC looked set to push on but disaster struck on 57 minutes, when a long range Slane free sailed to the net. Unbowed NCC battled gamely with Carrickmore keeper McCabe producing a stunning save to deny Rory O'Neill the match clinching goal and, while Niall O'Neill floated over another free, Carrickmore's experience enabled them to hold on for the narrowest of victories.
