Bannsiders scrape to win over Ernesiders

Ulster Minor Hurling League - Division 1
7 October 2006
Saint Malachy's (Portadown) 1-12
Aodh Ruadh 3-05
Dennis Doherty reports

Played in gale force wind in Portadown this away game was always going to be a hard one to win. Down by eight points in half-time but with the advantage of a very strong wind in the second half Aodh Ruadh were looking like favourites to win this game after the first ten minutes of the second half when Aodh Ruadh were back within a point of St. Malachy's.

However, Aodh Ruadh could never get within this one point lead despite the efforts of the Aodh Ruadh midfield who dominated. Ashley Mulhern was unfortunate not to have gained a score in the last minute. A very doubtful free was awarded to St. Malachy's with two minute's to go, after an attempted hook by Paul Hughes went astray. This point was the winner for the Portadown team. However, a draw was possible when Chris Kilgannon stepped up to take a free but it was sent narrowly wide in the last minute.

Several players missed the match through injury including two influential players from the forward line; Kieran Kilgannon (injured in the U16A Co. Final) and Gary O'Brien. Diarmuid McInerney was also away in action in the Junior B County Football final. Nevertheless this was a good result for Aodh Ruadh as they learned some valuable experience in the Ulster League Division 1 match.

The next match is against Ballygalget (Co. Down) next Saturday in Fr. Tierney Park at 2pm.

Report Filed: 9 October 2006