Fixtures & Results 2010 - IFC

After blowing Aghagallon away in the Intermediate Championship semi final, Cuchullians grasped the opportunity to capture some conciliation from the 2010 season when they travelled to Ahoghill to take on St.Mary’s Rasharkin in the Intermediate final. The Dreen men on the other hand having won their domestic league we’re striving to land the double. The last time these sides met in the Intermediate Championship was some thirty four years ago in the decider, ironically this game was played at Ahoghill, Dunloy won on that occasion by four points. They would be hoping for the same result where as Rasharkin would be trying to rewrite the history books and land their first Intermediate title since 1978.

Dunloy Captain Kevin McQuillan having won the toss elected to start with wind advantage in the first half, this seemed to have been the right decision as the North Antrim side threatened Rasharkin’s goals with the first three attacks, however the Dreen defence held out and turned possession each time. Rasharkin corner forward Michael Hasson opened their account after four minutes following a thirty yard strike. Brendan Etherson settled nerves as he doubled Rasharkin’s lead when he split the posts a minute later.  Johnny McAleese and Paul Doherty added point’s apiece after eight and nine minutes and Rasharkin looked to be on their way.

Dunloy did have their fair share of possession but couldn’t make it count until the sixteenth minute when their skipper Kevin McQuillan led by example to clip over a well taken point.  Back came Rasharkin through Decky McKay who chalked up two points from frees after twenty one and twenty four minutes to elevate his side into a five point lead.  Rasharkin were then dealt a blow when left half back Philip Quinn had to retire after a nasty ankle injury.  Benny McGarry pulled one back for Dunloy from a twenty yard free before Paddy Doherty added another after twenty seven minutes to leave the half time score 0-6 to 0-3.

The Dunloy half time team talk seemed to have an effect when they came out in the second half to score after four minutes with a twenty yard free kick off the ground by Paddy Doherty.  Dunloy midfielder Conor McKinley reduced the deficit to the minimum after six minutes and it was game on.  Both teams shared possession with Dunloy pulling through to win more dirty ball around the middle.  Rasharkin seemed to have left the shooting boots at Dreen as their wides tally began to climb.  Michael Hasson converted a free on fourteen minutes to give them a two point cushion midway through the second half. 

Rasharkin were gave mathematical advantage when Dunloy were reduced to fourteen men after nineteen minutes, Chris Brogan was given his marching orders following an off the ball altercation with Eamon McNeill who seemed to be getting quite a bit of attention from the Dunloy defence.  Dunloy have been the team renowned for holding on and they showed great passion in the closing stages of the game.  Benny McGarry again the marksman after twenty seven minutes before second half substitute Declan McGarry pulled the tie all square.  Rasharkin were relieved to hear Davy McGrath blew the final whistle. 

Donal McLarnon had a good day between the sticks for Rasharkin and did save a certain goal and match winner five minutes from time.  Cahair O’Kane, Aiddy Scullion and Philip Quinn did curtail the sleek Dunloy attack for much of the game.  Eamon McNeill and Declan McKay did take the game to the North Antrim side in flashes through the match.

Dunloy can feel proud of the efforts of Colum and Cahair Cunning, Gareth McAllister, Kevin McQuillan, Kevin McAllister and Benny McGarry.  Declan McGarry will be the toast of Dunloy when he took the game to a replay.

The two teams will meet again to decide who captures the title and earn the right to represent Antrim against Derry champions Castledawson in the first round of the Ulster Championship.

Rasharkin: Donal McLarnon, Cahir O’Kane , Adrian Scullion, Thomas Doherty (Capt), Sean Hasson, Duirmuid Quinn, Philip Quinn, Paul Doherty and Cathal Mooney, Eamon McNeill, Declan McKay, Brendan Etherson, Michael Hasson, Johnny McAleese and Conor Hasson.

Subs: Peader McMullan for Philip Quinn, Joey Quinn for Cathal Mooney, Brendan McMullan for Johnny McAleese and Conor Hardy for Peader McMullan.

Dunloy: Gary McIlfatrick, Steven Dooey, Eoghan Scott, Jamie McFerran, Cathaoir Cunning, Colum Cunning, Chris Brogan, Conor McKinley and Gareth McAllister, Paudie Shivers, Kevin McQuillan (Capt), Adrian McAllister, Kevin McAllister, Paddy Doherty and Benny McGarry.

Subs: Declan McGarry, Barry Murphy

Referee: Davy McGrath (St.John’s)