Fixtures & Results 2014 - JHC

Rasharkin reach county final with stylish performance

St.Mary’s Rasharkin seek to land their third Antrim Junior Hurling Championship following a comprehensive defeat of Shane O’Neill’s Glenarm at the semi final stage in front of a sizable crowd at Glen Rovers Armoy. The Dreen men were in rampant form as they chalked up a tremendous 1-22 scoreline to see off the challenges of the Feystown side who only managed a single score in the second half. This was the first outing in the Championship for the Glensmen who were drew straight into the semi final, St.Mary’s, however, had dispatched St.Teresa’s by four points in the quarter final two weeks previous. Both teams have recorded good victories in Division 3 and find themselves both on eleven points sitting mid table having secured the same league status next season. Their only meeting this year in the domestic league was in August when Rasharkin traveled to the Glens to record a comfortable win.

St.Mary’s put in a solid all round team performance and lead from start to finish with all six starting forwards getting their name on the scoresheet. Eamon McNeill lead the way with two early points in as many minutes followed by a long range effort from Conor Hasson before Glenarm opened their account through a free from Darren Hamill. Indeed, Hamill was on fire for his side in the first period and carved out a staggering eight points, five from the placed ball. Rasharkin weighed in with first half points from Eamon McNeill (4), Aidan Darragh (2), Conor Hasson, Conor McKeever and Conor McFerran and a goal and two for target man Decky McKay.

Cushendun referee Paul McSparran blow for half time on a scoreline Rasharkin 1-11 Glenarm 1-9 as both sides drew breath at the end of an entertaining half.

St.Mary’s started brightest in the second half with the aid of the elements but recorded five consecutive wides before Decky McKay settled nerves with the first of eleven second half points. Glenarm tried hard and fought well but with wayward shooting and failure to penetrate Rasharkin’s watertight defence they only made one mark on the score card in thirty minutes hurling through an injury time goal from second half substitute. St.Mary’s could have won by more but did record sublime scores throughout the second half – Decky McKay (5), James Scally (2), Eamon McNeill (2), Aidan Darragh and Conor McFerran points apiece, to leave a full time scoreline – St. Mary’s Rasharkin 1-22 Shane O’Neill’s Glenarm 2-9.

St.Mary’s Hurlers now hope to clinch Junior Hurling Championship honours for the second time in six years when they face Con Magees Glenravel next weekend at Slemish Park Ballymena.

Good Luck to players and management.