GL Programme – Ulster Club final 2009, St Gall’s v Loup

When? November, 29th, 2009

What? Ulster Senior Club Final

Wh0? St Gall’s 0-16 Loup 0-5

Where? Pairc Esler, Newry

Whistler? Pat McEneaney, Monaghan

A HOLD up in the game for 25 minutes provided the prelude to the St Gall’s of Belfast raising the tempo for them to eventually clinch a first Ulster Club crown in three years.

The teams wree level at 0-4 each when the break occurred. But following that, the Antrim champions turned on the style when CJ McGourty, Rory Gallagher and Sean Burke all registered scores to leave them in control.

That ensured that they were eight points ahead early in the second half and on course for the title.

It was a victory due in large part to the performances of players such as centre-back Anthony Healy, Mark Kelly, Kieran McGourty and Terry O’Neill.

But this was to prove a disappointing result for the St Patrick’s.

Each of their scores came from frees, with Paul McVey, Johnny McBride, Paul McFlynn and Ciaran Devlin hitting the target.

Victory in the game provided St Gall’s with their third ever provincial crown and they sprang into song after receiving the Cup in the stand at Pairc Esler in Newry.

Their power, pace and overall scoring threat proved to be the key differences.

However, while they celebrated in style, their hopes of emulating the All-Ireland success of 2006 proved ultimately unfounded.

For the moment, though, there was no doubting their joy at this success.