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Coming into this fixture the men from Dreen would have been fancied to progress to their second Intermediate decider in five years following the two league victories home and away against Glenavy and executing the performance of the season against All Saints in the quarter final. Similarly, the men from Chapel Hill have also had an impressive route to the last four, defeating their local rivals Aghagallon by seven in round one before overcoming Moneyglass by three in the quarter final.
St.Mary’s started with a well taken point inside the first minute from Conor McFerran, wing half back Conor Doherty finish off a good move after ten to double the lead before Glenavy opened their account after eleven. The match was nip and tuck for much of the game with both teams enjoying their spells of possession. The orange men finished the half strong with a further three points as Rasharkin’s only replay was again from the boot of Conor McFerran. Half time score St.Mary’s Rasharkin 0-3 St.Joseph’s 0-4.
The low scoring continued into the second period as both teams set up defensively, each deploying a sweeper at the rear. Eamon McNeill got in on the action and equalized from the set piece after five, Benny Hasson added another midway through the half before Glenavy went two up. The Dreen men worked hard and pulled back arrears with two Eamon McNeill points inside a minute, but the Chapel Hill side were relentless and nudged into the lead to see out the fixture by three. Final score St.Mary’s Rasharkin 0-8 St.Joseph’s 0-11.
Undoubtedly, Glenavy were the better team and deserve to progress into this year’s Intermediate decider, indeed they could have won by more if they’d have packed their shooting boots, St.Mary’s wish St.Joseph’s Good luck in the final as they seek to bridge a twenty three year gap returning the Intermediate crown back to Chapel Hill for the third time.
On a more positive note, well done to Andrew Hasson making his Championship starting debut as St.Mary’s last line of defense, it was also a welcome return to football championship for Enda McFerran who applied himself well and had a positive effect in Rasharkin’s attack.
St.Mary’s Rasharkin: Andrew Hasson, Shane Hasson, Cathal Mooney, Donagh Quigg, Conor Doherty, Conor Hasson, Declan McKay, Martin McGuckin and Benny Hasson, Ryan Lynch, Thomas Doherty, Eamon McNeill, Gerard O’Hagan, Johnny McAleese and Conor McFerran
Subs: Enda McFerran and Connor Gribben
Rasharkin must now dust themselves off and lift themselves for the final league encounter away against Gortnamona, this game is simply a must win where ultimately "winners takes all”. It’s time for everyone in the club to play their part and get out to support the players and management. You can make a difference!
