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Coalisland sink Aodh Ruadh

Ulster Hurling League - Section 4A
26 May 2007
Aodh Ruadh 2-14
Naomh Columcille 3-13
Dennis Doherty reports from Father Tierney Park

In the Ulster league, the senior hurlers lost by a two point margin against Saint Colmcille's of Coalisland, County Tyrone, on a scoreline of 3-13 to 2-14.

Missing the services of Dennis Doherty and Aidan Begley (both through injury) and Thomas Gallagher, it was a great performance by both teams with a high level of skill and determination shown by both sides. The game began slowly and the concession of a goal after 10 minutes of play due to a goal-keeping error was unfortunate for Aodh Ruadh. Another goal was conceded five minutes later which should have been called as a square ball by the Derry referee! This came after some fine points being scored by Aodh Ruadh with good teamwork.

However, despite this setback the Paul Cassidy, the Aodh Ruadh full forward, caught a high dropping ball, turned, took the direct route to goal and kicked it in fine style to the back of the net. At half-time the scores were close at 2-08 to 1-07 in favour of Saint Colmcille.

In the second half, despite dominating the centre of the field, Aodh Ruadh missed some vital scores from frees and should have been ahead. At this stage both sides were very committed with Aodh Ruadh midfield duo restricting the supply of ball to the Saint Colmcille's forward line. With two minutes to go the young Kieran Kilgannon in the corner foward berth, scored a great goal with a first time ground pull and it looked as if Aodh Ruadh could score again only for time to run out. However, despite having some chances the Aodh Ruadh forwards were overall not as sharp in getting their scores. In the final analysis, it was the greater efficiency of the Tyrone inside forward line who were more economical with the ball and who got their scores with greater ease that was the difference between the sides.

Man of the match was David Downey who again excelled in the middle of the park but there were also good performances by the Anthony Coughlin, the three Loughlin bothers (Kevin, Mark and Gary), along with the young Kieran Kilgannon and the aforementioned Paul Cassidy.

Vital Statistics
Teams
Aodh Ruadh
Anthony Bowering; Kieran Breslin, Kevin Loughlin, Brian Patton; Gary Loughlin, John Rooney, Peter Horan; Chris Kilgannon (0-01), David Downey (0-02); Kieran Kilgannon (1-02), Anthony Coughlan (0-05 5f), Mark Loughlin (0-01); Johnny Dolan (0-02), Paul Cassidy (1-00), Tayto Coughlan.
Substitutes
John Larkin for Paul Cassidy, Thomas Gallaher ('Scillachi') for Tayto Coughlan and Cian Dolan.

Report Filed: 28 May 2007