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JHC Rd1: Seniors first round win for the blues
Cumann Pheadaír Naofa 3-17
East Belfast 0-7
A goal in the nineteenth minute from John O’Kane seemed to settle a nervy Blues opening few minutes in this first round of the 2022 JHC. Indeed, the opening few minutes was like a game of chess as both East Belfast and the hosts probed each other’s defence score for score with Oisin Kelly & O’Kane matching early scores from East Belfast’s Conor McCurdy, Tony Ferris & Joe Clifford as the two sides stood toe to toe, score for score inside the first fifteen minutes.
East Belfast, although having plied their hurling in a division lower than their hosts Warrenpoint, looked totally unphased, as they sought out Joe Clifford & McCurdy to break the blues hearts and cause the first upset of the 2022 championship season. But as the game passed the eighteenth minute mark Oisin Kelly won a puckout, ahead of East Belfast’s Ronan Rushe, soloed through and popped the sliotar through to an unmarked O’Kane, to give him the easiest of tasks, finishing to the net for the opening goal and see Warrenpoint gain the upper hand with a three-point lead.
East Belfast side struggled with their hosts movement and with Jason Grey, Matthew Duffy & Allie Higgins dictating defensive proceedings the visitors scoring soon dried up, as they had to be content with half chances from distance.
The sides called a halt to the first thirty minutes proceedings with Warrenpoint leading 1-9 to 0-3.
East Belfast, defiantly grabbed the opening score of the second half inside the opening seconds with a Cormac Rushe 30m strike before the Blues knew what had happened. East Belfast rallied and were unfortunate not to have narrowed the contest with their efforts over the opening few minutes of the second half.
But with seven minutes played Warrenpoint pulled ahead further, O’Kane once more winning an aerial battle against corner back Ronan Rushe, playing a one-two, that saw him totally open and with only Michael McNicholl to beat finished to the net with aplomb.
The Blues, now in a commanding position, rattled over the next few points and when second half replacement Emmet McCourt latched onto a pass down the left wing, the fleet footed attacker flew down the line, cut in and slashed the sliotar to the far corner of the net, as McNicholl vainly tried to deflect it wide of the posts to give the hosts an unassailable 3-13 to 0-6 lead and only fifteen minutes remaining.
As the game started to draw to a close the final few minutes saw Warrenpoint complete the story with Daryl Freer, Ronan Cunningham & O’Kane seal a nineteen-point win.
The focus now turns to Kilclief in two weeks’ time, who were defeated by a youthful Castlewellan in today’s earlier fixture, as the contenders for the JHC title is well and truly under way.
Cumann Pheadaír Naofa: A O’Brien, T Magee, J Grey, M Duffy, D O’Neill, A Higgins, J Beggs, M Rafferty (0-1), C Teague, J O’Hare, J Grant (0-2), T Kelly, J O’Kane (2-5), O Kelly (0-5), R Cunningham (0-3)
Subs: E McCourt (1-0) for T Kelly, C O’Neill for Beggs, T Daly for O’Hare, M Murphy for Magee, D Freer (0-1) for Grant
MENS FOOTBALL NEWS
New Jerseys bring out the "Best" in U13 Footballers !
Olivia Best of Best Estate Agents Warrenpoint presented a new set of jerseys to our U13 Footballers this evening prior to our Championship group game v Clann na banna. The boys did the jersey proud, winning 5.09 to 0.09.
Many thanks to Bests for the Jersey sponsorship & for taking a pitchside ad board in Pairc Liam Ui ir. Thanks indeed to all our sponsors for the ongoing support.
LADIES FOOTBALL NEWS
U10 Ladies
The U10 LGFA team welcomed Ballyholland this morning for the next round of fixtures in St Marks. In brilliant weather and two pitches side by side the 24 Point ladies put in an awesome performance. With one team mostly of u8's it was a fantastic display all round. Thanks for the large family support and Ballyholland for the game. This is Ballyholland's first year in LGFA and we hope to have more games together over the years.
U14 Ladies
Warrenpoint U14 ladies played out a very entertaining friendly away to neighbours Rostrevor this morning. In drizzly conditions, where both teams struggled at times to hold on to a slippery ball, the Blues got off to the better start, but Rostrevor pulled back to head into the break 3-5 apiece. Some good scores from both sides kept the game in the balance but great defending from Warrenpoint and another superb display in goal by Hollie Rice, kept the Blues in the driving seat. A tally of 4-5 from Lucy Elmore, 2-5 from Katie Poland, 0-2 from Emily Kane and a point each from Grace Lunny and Evie O'Loughlin brought the final score to 6.14 to 6.8 in favour of Warrenpoint. Excellent displays across the field by all the Blues made for a great result against a formidable Rostrevor side.
Many thanks to Rostrevor for the game.
Camogie News
U12 camogs played their last away match against Carryduff on Saturday morning.
The girls put the Carryduff players under a lot of pressure. The scores were close after the first half but Carryduff scored a few extra goals in the second half to win in what was a very challenging match at times. Although, the girls can feel proud as they put in a brilliant performance making the club proud as always .
U6s,8s and 10s welcomed AnRiocht on Friday evening for a great night of youth camogie.
G4MO News
The G4MO crew took to the road for their latest excursion on Friday evening, heading to South Armagh to play Culloville. Nice weather conditions allowed some great skills to be showcased, from both sets of players. There was no shortage of effort, determination, screams of delight & a good handful of laughs. Spectators were treated to a fine evening of sporting entertainment as well as some special moves rarely seen on a Gaelic pitch.
Many thanks to Culloville Blues Gac for being such welcoming hosts.
Support The Lotto
Our lotto sales are something which has been supported by loyal members for years and it continues to help fund club activities and help towards the running of our ever growing club. Now it is easier than ever before to buy a ticket, simply log onto www.klubfunder.com and search for Warrenpointgaa. £1 a week makes a massive difference to us, please support the lotto and even try and sell some. Current jackpot is £5500.
